Flynas, Saudi Arabia’s leading low-cost airline, has announced that it will receive more than 100 Airbus aircraft over the next five years, as part of a broader deal for 280 Airbus jets.
This ambitious expansion plan aligns with the airline’s strategy to enhance its fleet and support Saudi Arabia’s aviation growth goals.
The announcement coincided with a visit from Airbus’ senior management to flynas’ headquarters in Riyadh, reinforcing the strong partnership between the two entities.
Major Expansion to Strengthen Flynas’ Global Presence
Flynas is aiming to operate over 160 aircraft by 2030, making it the largest holder of single-aisle aircraft purchase orders in the Middle East. The airline’s 280-plane deal, valued at more than SR161 billion ($43 billion), reflects its commitment to expansion amid increasing demand for air travel.
This significant investment comes at a time when the aviation industry is experiencing delivery backlogs, with manufacturers such as Boeing reducing delivery schedules for 2025.
These delays have impacted major Gulf carriers, including Emirates, which has faced setbacks with Boeing’s 777X aircraft deliveries now pushed to 2027.
A Strategic Partnership with Airbus
Bander Al-Muhanna, CEO and Managing Director of Flynas, expressed the airline’s enthusiasm for its long-standing collaboration with Airbus.
“We value the visit of Airbus’ senior management, which reflects flynas’ position as a leading Saudi carrier on the global stage. It also underscores the importance of our long-term partnership, which has strengthened flynas’ contribution to Saudi Arabia’s aviation industry.”
Flynas’ partnership with Airbus dates back to its inception, gaining momentum in 2016 with an order for 120 aircraft. This partnership reached new heights in 2024 when flynas signed an agreement to purchase 160 Airbus A320 and A330 wide-body jets.
Supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and Pilgrim Experience Program
The fleet expansion aligns with Saudi Arabia’s National Civil Aviation Strategy, which aims to:
Connect the Kingdom with 250 international destinations
Accommodate 330 million passengers annually
Attract 150 million tourists by 2030
Additionally, flynas’ expansion supports the Pilgrims Experience Program, which focuses on enhancing travel accessibility to the Two Holy Mosques, ensuring a seamless journey for millions of pilgrims visiting Saudi Arabia.
First Airbus A320neo of 2025 Joins Flynas’ Fleet
As part of its latest expansion, flynas recently received a new Airbus A320neo, marking its first delivery of the year and bringing its total A320neo fleet to 54 aircraft.
During their visit, Airbus executives toured flynas’ headquarters, explored its latest aviation innovations, and engaged in discussions with senior Saudi airline officials about strengthening their long-term partnership.
Saudi Arabia’s Growing Aviation Ambitions
Under Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia is aggressively expanding its aviation sector, with national carriers ramping up fleet investments to support the Kingdom’s booming travel and tourism industry.
Flynas’ rapid expansion highlights its commitment to becoming a major player in global aviation, ensuring seamless connectivity, enhanced travel experiences, and greater accessibility to Saudi Arabia’s key destinations.
