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Riyadh: Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) has unveiled an ambitious fleet expansion plan to acquire 191 new aircraft by 2032, nearly doubling its current capacity to meet rising travel demands ahead of Expo 2030 and FIFA World Cup 2034. The transformation will increase the airline's fleet from approximately 188 aircraft to around 300 planes, according to Saudia Director-General Ibrahim Al-Omar.
The comprehensive modernization plan includes the introduction of 100 electric aircraft, marking a significant step toward sustainable aviation. These eco-friendly aircraft will provide efficient transportation between host cities during the upcoming global events. Aircraft deliveries are scheduled to begin by the end of 2025, with financing secured through a combination of bank loans and lease-back arrangements.
In parallel with fleet expansion, Saudia aims to more than double its destination network from the current 70 to over 140 destinations within the next five years. This aggressive growth strategy aligns with the airline's goal to rank among the world's top five carriers by the end of 2027.
The aviation sector plays a crucial role in Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, currently contributing $53 billion annually to the national economy - $20.8 billion from aviation activities and $32.2 billion from tourism. The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has launched a roadmap to multiply the sector's GDP contribution tenfold by 2030, reaching $2 billion.
Addressing passenger comfort, Al-Omar announced plans to replace all 15,000 current aircraft seats between 2025 and 2027. The airline will also introduce a new premium economy class, offering enhanced comfort options for travelers.
Responding to questions about ticket pricing, Al-Omar clarified that Saudia operates without special government subsidies and purchases fuel at market rates comparable to competitors in the Saudi market.
The expansion comes as Saudi Arabia prepares to host two major global events: Expo 2030, which has an estimated budget of $7.8 billion and is expected to attract 40 million visitors, and the 2034 FIFA World Cup, which will feature 48 teams competing across multiple cities including Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Khobar, NEOM, and Abha. These events are anticipated to drive unprecedented demand for air travel and accelerate investments in aviation infrastructure.
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