Saudi Arabia's openness to the world was bound to result in an increased presence of airlines from the oil-rich kingdom at the Paris Air Show.
The first to create a buzz is Riyadh Air. Admittedly, Tony Douglas, CEO of this carrier positioned in the top-of-the-range segment, ruled out any announcement of aircraft purchases at the Show.
But the event is also an opportunity to present an aircraft in the company's colours and to organise a presentation at the Crillonprestige and luxury! The carrier has already announced the acquisition of 72 Boeing B787-9s. The aircraft presented at Le Bourget is simply a model, but it is its first public presentation.
Riyadh Air plans to operate flights between the capital and the rest of the world from 2025 onwards. With a target of more than 100 destinations by 2030 and the promise of an exceptional inflight service. According to the CEO, the carrier's ambition is to offer flights to cities that are not accessible by direct route. Like Berlin or Shanghai, for example. But also to connecting Riyadh to all European capitals. The airline is set to expand its fleet with a second type of aircraft for regional routes, probably the Boeing 737MAX.
As for the second Saudi airline present at Le Bourget, the low-cost Flynashas just announced the signing of a major contract with Airbus. The contract covers 30 Airbus A320neo aircraft, confirming rumours of an imminent purchase.
This new order brings flynas' order book to 120 A320neo Family aircraft, including 10 A321XLRs. These aircraft will be used in particular to serve long-haul destinations. Flynas has been flying in France since November 2022 on the Jeddah-Marseille route. The airline offers two flights a week between the two cities.
These 30 aircraft ordered from Airbus do not, however, overshadow the massive order (probably one of the highlights of Le Bourget 2023) from India's IndiGo. This low-cost airline has just confirmed a record purchase of 500 devices Airbus A320...
