Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) is in negotiations to acquire around 70 additional Airbus A321neo and Boeing 787 and 777 aircraft, according to the local media Maaal, citing anonymous sources.
With already 159 planes operating, Saudia is reportedly planning to reinforce its fleet with 70 new aircraft. The exact composition of the order is not known but includes the Airbus A321, and the Boeing 787 and 777. The plan to raise debt for an order of around 70 new jets was confirmed to Reuters by a banker. The order could be valued at around $3 billion according to Maaal. Neither Saudia, Airbus, nor Boeing has commented on potential negotiations.
Saudia already has 46 Airbus A320 and 15 A321 aircraft on the single-aisle, and 32 wide-body A330 according to its website. Its current order book stands at 30 A320neo and 35 A321neo (15 LR variant and 15 in XLR.)
As for Boeing, Saudia flies 13 787-9 Dreamliners, five 787-10s with five more to be delivered, and 35 777-300ERs.
In 2018, the flag carrier of Saudi Arabia had announced its intention to increase its fleet to 200 aircraft by 2020.