Saudi Arabian low-cost carrier Flynas has signed an agreement with Airbus for 60 A320neo Family aircraft. In addition to the 60 aircraft, Flynas has converted 20 A320ceos from a previous order to A320neos bringing the airline’s total firm order to 80 A320neos.
The deliveries are scheduled to start in 2018 and to be completed by 2026.
The agreement was announced on 16th January in Riyadh at a press conference attended by Ayed Al Jeaid, Chairman, NAS Holding, Bander Al Mohanna, Chief Executive Officer, NAS Holding Group and Fouad Attar, Managing Director, Airbus Middle East.
Flynas, an all-Airbus operator, currently has 26 A320ceos in service. Launched in 2007, the airline has successfully operated over 260,000 flights and carried more than 30 million passengers in the last ten years.
In 2016, Flynas set a new record by carrying 6.3 million passengers, a 14% year-on-year increase. The company aims to become the first airline in Saudi Arabia to be listed on the Saudi stock exchange.
Flynas will face a new competitor this year. Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) has announced plans to launch a new low cost carrier, dubbed Flyadeal, which is scheduled to start commercial operations by mid-2017.