Saudi Arabian Arilines chooses the Airbus A320 for fleet renewal

The agreement allows Saudia to increase the order by eight further A320s.

The agreement marks a period of rapid expansion of the aviation market in the region with Saudia experiencing unprecedented demand for air travel.

The order is particularly significant as it marks the first time Saudi Arabian Airlines have placed an order with Airbus in some two decades. Previously, Saudi Arabian Airlines were the launch customer for the Airbus A300-600, which was delivered in 1984.

"Investing in a new fleet of Airbus single aisle aircraft enables us to benefit from an aircraft that is unquestionably right for our needs and for those of our passengers, one that combines cabin comfort with operational cost-efficiency, while enabling us to grow,"

said Khalid al Molhem, Director General Saudi Arabian Airlines.

"Saudia is one of the biggest and the longest-established airlines in the Middle East. and we are very pleased the company has decided to expand with our A320 family of Aircraft", said Tom Enders, Airbus President and CEO.

The A320 Family, which includes the A318, A319, A320 and A321, is recognised as the benchmark single-aisle aircraft family. Each aircraft features fly by wire controls and share a unique cockpit commonality across the range. Over 5,450 Airbus A320 Family have been sold and over 3200 delivered to some 200 operators worldwide, making it the worlds best selling commercial jetliner ever.

Uniquely, the A320 family offers a containerised cargo system, which is compatible with the worldwide standard wide-body system.

Airbus is an EADS company

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