Saudi budget airline flyadeal is evaluating a significant order for between 10 and 20 wide-body jets, with a decision potentially coming by the end of the year. CEO Steven Greenway revealed that the low-cost subsidiary of state carrier Saudia is in the initial stages of comparing Boeing 787 and Airbus A330neo models but has not yet initiated a formal competition between the aircraft manufacturers. The potential deal could be valued at up to $5 billion at list prices, although airlines often secure substantial discounts.
This move follows a recent order by the Saudia Group, which owns both Saudia and flyadeal, for 105 Airbus narrow-body aircraft. Flyadeal is considering leveraging Saudia’s operational experience with both Boeing 787s and the older A330ceo models. Greenway indicated that the larger Airbus A350 is less likely to be chosen due to its over-engineered design for longer ranges that exceed flyadeal’s needs. Appointed CEO in January, Greenway, formerly of Singapore Airlines subsidiary Scoot, highlighted the expansion of Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector as part of the kingdom’s Vision 2030 economic diversification plan. He outlined a long-term plan for flyadeal to potentially operate a minimum fleet of 10 wide-body aircraft within the next three to five years.