Saudi Arabia’s flag carrier Saudia is reported to be evaluating a substantial aircraft order that could involve at least 150 jets from Boeing and Airbus, according to analysts familiar with early-stage fleet planning discussions.
Strategic Fleet Renewal And Growth Plans
The potential transaction is understood to cover both passenger and cargo aircraft, supporting the replacement of ageing jets while also enabling long-term network expansion aligned with Saudi Arabia’s broader aviation ambitions.
Middle Eastern airlines have increasingly prioritised modern, fuel-efficient aircraft as they seek to manage operating costs, improve environmental performance, and expand capacity across long-haul and regional markets.
While talks are said to remain preliminary and unconfirmed by Saudia, industry sources suggest Boeing could secure a significant portion of the proposed order if negotiations progress further.
Boeing And Airbus Aircraft Mix Under Discussion
The Boeing side of the deal could include up to ten 777-8 freighters, approximately 63 777-9 passenger aircraft, and as many as 30 787 Dreamliners split between the 787-9 and 787-10 variants, according to reports.
Airbus’s share would reportedly focus on narrowbody operations, potentially comprising up to 60 A321neo-family aircraft, including long-range A321XLR models designed for thinner International routes.
Such a mixed widebody and narrowbody order would reflect Saudia’s need to balance intercontinental growth with flexibility across regional and medium-haul markets.
Existing Orders And Delivery Timeline
Separately from the reported negotiations, Saudia already holds a sizeable confirmed order backlog scheduled for delivery from 2026 through to the end of the decade.
These commitments include additional Boeing 787-9 and 787-10 Dreamliners, with deliveries expected to span roughly between 2026 and 2029.
On the narrowbody side, the Saudia Group has firm orders for 105 Airbus A320neo-family aircraft, reflecting Airbus production slots stretching into the early 2030s.
The airline also has 15 Airbus A321XLRs on order, with first deliveries anticipated from 2027 to support longer-range narrowbody services.
Current Fleet Composition
Saudia currently operates a fleet of 166 aircraft, featuring an all-Airbus narrowbody operation alongside a diverse widebody mix.
Its narrowbody fleet includes A320-200s, A321-200s, and A321neos, while widebody operations span A330s, 747s, multiple 777 variants, and 787 Dreamliners.
If finalised, the prospective order would represent one of the most significant fleet expansion moves in the region this decade.