RIYADH: Saudi low-cost carrier flynas recently took delivery of its second Airbus A320neo aircraft, part of the 120 new planes purchased through an $8.5 billion deal with Airbus.
This deal is the second-largest aircraft purchase deal in the Middle East and is a game changer for the air-travel industry in the kingdom and the entire region. It also marks a strategic milestone for flynas, which is set to receive four more aircraft before the end of 2019.
Bander Al-Mohanna, flynas’ chief executive officer, said the deal would allow flynas to travel for longer distances and reach new destinations with the aim to cater to a wider range of travellers. Flynas will run flights to new summer destinations in June 2019, with direct flights to Batumi and Tbilisi in Georgia, Vienna in Austria, Baku in Azerbaijan, Trabzon in Turkey, and Sarajevo in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Flynas’ CEO added that by 2021, Airbus A320neo aircraft will make up half of flynas’ fleet, which supports Vision 2030’s targets to develop the civil aviation sector. He added that upgrading the fleet will also support flynas’ expansion strategy which aims to widen its scope of business and increase its share within local and international aviation markets.
Al-Mohanna also emphasised that the first Airbus A320neo, which was received in November 2018, was applauded by passengers due to its roominess. He said that new features will be added to provide more luxurious flights for passengers.
Airbus’ A320neo boasts the most spacious cabin among single-aisle aircraft and is fuel-efficient, which makes it eco-friendly.
