Saudia has taken delivery of its first Airbus A321XLR, becoming the first airline in the Middle East and Africa to operate Airbus’ new extra-long-range single-aisle aircraft.
Powered by CFM International LEAP-1A engines, the aircraft is the first of 15 A321XLRs ordered by the Saudi Arabian flag carrier as part of its wider fleet modernisation programme aligned with Saudi Vision 2030.
The new aircraft will support the expansion of Saudia’s international network and the Kingdom’s ambition to attract more than 150 million visitors annually by the end of the decade.
The delivery also marks another milestone in the long-standing partnership between Airbus and Saudia, which began with the airline’s first Airbus A300 delivery in 1984. Airbus aircraft continue to play a central role in Saudia’s fleet and network growth strategy.
Saudia currently serves more than 100 destinations across four continents, with the A321XLR enabling the airline to expand into additional long-haul markets using a single-aisle aircraft. With a range of up to 4,700 nautical miles, the aircraft allows routes traditionally operated by larger wide-body aircraft to be served more efficiently while maintaining a premium passenger experience.
