flynas Signs MoU For 75 More Airbus A320neo & 15 A330s At Farnborough

flynas, a Saudi Arabia-based low-cost carrier, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for 75 Airbus A320neo family aircraft, as well as 15 A330-900s, expanding its capacity and reach of its route network.

Another Farnborough International Airshow order

Airbus and flynas announced the MoU at the Farnborough International Airshow 2024, with the European aircraft manufacturer securing its sixth order at the event. On July 24, it had no orders.

The MoU covered an agreement for 90 aircraft, split between 75 A320neo and 15 A330-900s, with the announcement not indicating which type of A320neo family aircraft flynas has opted for.

Still, Airbus said that flynas would operate its A330-900s in a two-class configuration, welcoming up to 400 passengers.

Photo: Airbus

Bander Almohanna, the chief executive officer (CEO) and managing director of flynas, said that the airline was excited to strengthen its long-term partnership with Airbus.

At the Paris Airshow in June 2023, flynas announced that it had firmed up an order for 30 A320neo family aircraft, with that order taking its total commitments to the A320neo family aircraft to 120, including ten A321XLRs, which was certified on July 19.

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flynas Firms Order For 30 More Airbus A320 Family Jets

The Saudi airline is looking to expand with Airbus’ narrowbodies.

Growing widebody fleet

Nevertheless, the Saudi Arabian airline, which has previously operated an all-single-aisle fleet of Airbus A320 and A320neo aircraft, introduced its first widebody aircraft in October 2022. Then, the airline took delivery of an A330-300, registered as HZ-NE24.

Since taking delivery of that widebody aircraft, the carrier introduced three more A330-300s, registered as HZ-NE22, HZ-NE25, and HZ-NE23. Furthermore, ch-aviation data showed that the airline has wet leased four A330-300 from Indonesia-based Lion Air.

In addition, Lion Air has operated flights on behalf of flynas with six A330-900 aircraft, meaning that the Saudi Arabian airline has experience with the type.

Photo: Pascal Pigeyre | Airbus

Almohanna added that the A320neo provided exceptional operational performance and environmental benefits, allowing flynas to offer unique, low-cost travel experiences.

“Additionally, the A330neo will enhance our long-haul capabilities with its advanced technology and efficiency while supporting our growth plans and Saudi Arabia’s pilgrim program.”

Christian Scherer, the CEO of Airbus Commercial Aircraft, continued that the company was delighted to expand its partnership with flynas. The MoU was another milestone for the A320neo and A330neo family aircraft, with the latter enabling the carrier’s further growth into the widebody market.

“Both aircraft types offer flynas the perfect versatility and economics to expand into new markets while offering their passengers the latest cabin experience and comfort.”

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flynas Gets 2 New Airbus A320neo & Adds 1.2 Million Seat Capacity For Ramadan Flights

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Airbus getting ahead of Boeing

With the latest order, despite being an MoU, Airbus has gotten ahead of its rival, Boeing, in terms of the number of aircraft ordered at the Farnborough International Airshow.

As of July 24, Airbus had 69 orders, including an MoU for five A320neo family aircraft, while Boeing’s orders numbered 96 firm orders and 22 options, totaling 118 aircraft.

Photo: Oleh Yatskiv I Shutterstock

However, with the flynas MoU, the European plane makers’ order tally at the industry event rose to 144, with Boeing announcing no new orders on July 25. On July 24, only ATR communicated that it had secured an order, namely Air Tahiti buying four ATR 72-600 aircraft.

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Day 3 Round-Up: Farnborough International Airshow

Day 3 only had a single commercial aircraft order, involving ATR and Air Tahiti.