Saudia Group Prepares Major Aircraft Order for 2031-2040

Saudia Group Fleet Strategy

Saudia Group, which includes the national flag carrier Saudia and the Low-Cost Carrier (LCC) subsidiary flyadeal, has completed its internal fleet assessment and is moving toward a significant new procurement phase. According to Sanjiv Kapoor, Executive Vice President of Strategy at Saudia Group and Acting CEO of flyadeal, the organization is awaiting final board approval before initiating a formal Request for Proposals (RFP) to aircraft manufacturers. This move is designed to secure long-term capacity for both growth and fleet replacement needs, with target delivery windows spanning from 2031 to 2040.

Strategic Growth and Vision 2030

The upcoming procurement is a critical component of Saudi Arabia aviation expansion goals, which are tied to the broader Saudi Vision 2030 initiative. The Kingdom aims to connect 250 global destinations and accommodate 330 million travelers by the end of the decade. Previous reports have suggested that the potential Saudia Group aircraft order could encompass at least 150 narrowbody and widebody jets. This aggressive fleet expansion builds upon existing commitments; in May 2024, Saudia Group orders 105 A320neo Family aircraft to support Saudi Arabia's aviation goals to bolster its operational footprint. Furthermore, flyadeal has already begun diversifying its capabilities, notably entering widebody operations with an order for 10 Airbus A330-900s in April 2025.

Competitive Landscape for OEM Slots

As Saudia Group prepares its Airbus Boeing RFP, the airline is navigating a global market defined by the necessity of securing long-term production slots. Aerospace supply chain delays have created a competitive environment where carriers must commit to delivery windows nearly a decade in advance. This procurement cycle reflects a broader trend of Middle Eastern airlines aggressively scaling capacity to compete in a dual-hub landscape. The strategy contrasts with the foundational widebody order placed by Riyadh Air in March 2023, which included 39 Boeing 787-9 aircraft with options for 33 additional units. For manufacturers, the Saudia RFP represents a high-stakes competition to capture the next wave of fleet renewal in the region.

Technical Outlook: The 2031-2040 Horizon

The transition to the next generation of aircraft is central to the group's long-term efficiency goals. By aligning its procurement with the 2031-2040 delivery window, Saudia Group aims to phase out older airframes while scaling its low-cost and premium service offerings. The assessment process has prioritized balancing narrowbody efficiency for regional connectivity with widebody range for intercontinental expansion. The group's current fleet modernization is supported by the ongoing integration of the Airbus A321 Extra Long Range (A321XLR), which is scheduled for delivery through 2027.

Upcoming Procurement Milestones

The formal issuance of the RFP to major manufacturers is expected to follow immediately upon board approval, likely occurring between late 2026 and 2027. Following the selection process, the group anticipates the first deliveries from this substantial order to arrive in 2031. These milestones mark the next phase of the group's effort to maintain its competitive edge as the Saudi aviation market undergoes rapid transformation.

Why This Matters for Global Aviation

This development signals the continued intensity of fleet-building in the Middle East, driven by state-level economic mandates. As Saudia Group moves to finalize its procurement plans, the global aerospace industry is watching closely to see how these massive volume requirements will impact an already constrained production backlog. For passengers and industry stakeholders, this expansion indicates a long-term commitment to significantly increased seat capacity and a wider global route network centered on the Saudi hubs.