Saudi Arabian low-cost carrier (LCC) Flyadeal is preparing to take a major step in its expansion strategy by adding wide-body aircraft to its growing fleet. Flyadeal, a subsidiary of the Saudi Arabian national carrier Saudia, currently operates 35 Airbus A320s, along with one wet-leased Airbus A330 for religious charter services. However, this number is set to grow significantly as the airline plans to place an order for either Airbus A330s or Boeing 787s by the end of 2024, as confirmed by Flyadeal CEO Steven Greenway at Routes World 2024 in Bahrain.

“We’re looking at an order, hopefully to be announced by the end of the year,” Greenway shared during his interview with Aviation Week. The introduction of wide body aircraft into Flyadeal’s fleet is a key element of the airline’s broader strategy to increase capacity and enter new markets, both domestically and internationally.

Wide body Aircraft for Flyadeal: Airbus A330 or Boeing 787?

Flyadeal’s management is currently evaluating two wide body aircraft models: the Airbus A330 and the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Both models are known for their long-haul capabilities, but each has distinct advantages for the LCC. According to Greenway, the Airbus A350 was ruled out because it would be “too big” for Flyadeal’s operational needs. Instead, the airline’s focus is on the A330 and the 787, as these aircraft provide the capacity and flexibility needed to serve long-range routes.

The Airbus A330 is particularly appealing due to the compatibility it offers with Flyadeal’s existing fleet of Airbus A320s. Crew transition from the A320 to the A330 is relatively seamless, requiring just 10 days of difference training, which would make it easier for Flyadeal to scale operations quickly. On the other hand, the Boeing 787 offers another set of benefits. Saudia, Flyadeal’s parent company, already operates the 787, providing potential synergies between the two airlines. However, Greenway emphasized that any wide body aircraft for Flyadeal would be acquired independently of Saudia’s current orders: “There is no chance of taking aircraft from their order. This is going to be on top of what they [Saudia] have already done.”

Expanding Operations with Wet-Leased Aircraft

Flyadeal’s expansion into the widebody market won’t be solely reliant on new orders. Greenway revealed that the airline plans to bring in additional widebody aircraft on wet lease while it waits for its ordered aircraft to be delivered. Wet leasing, where an aircraft is provided along with its crew, maintenance, and insurance, will allow Flyadeal to meet demand for long-haul and religious charter services in the interim. This will also give the airline more operational flexibility as it ramps up its widebody services.

The addition of widebody aircraft will allow Flyadeal to serve destinations that are beyond the range of its current A320 fleet, expanding its network footprint and enabling it to tap into new markets. Flyadeal’s strategy aligns with the Vision 2030 plan of Saudi Arabia, which seeks to boost tourism and diversify the economy by making the Kingdom a major international air travel hub.

Aggressive Growth Plans: From 35 to 88 Aircraft by 2028

Flyadeal’s expansion plans are not limited to its widebody fleet. The airline has ambitious growth targets, aiming to increase its fleet size from 35 aircraft today to 88 aircraft within the next four years. To achieve this, Flyadeal has scheduled the delivery of three more Airbus A320s by the end of 2024, with further deliveries planned at the rate of one aircraft per month over the next four years. By 2028, Flyadeal’s fleet will total 88 aircraft, which includes the retirement of its older A320ceo models, which will be replaced by newer, more fuel-efficient aircraft.

One of the most significant upcoming additions to Flyadeal’s fleet will be the Airbus A321, which will arrive in the first quarter of 2026. The airline has 29 A321s on order, which will be configured with 240 seats each, maximizing capacity while maintaining low operating costs. These aircraft will be used primarily for medium-haul routes, providing greater range and passenger capacity than the A320s, but not requiring the operational infrastructure of a widebody fleet.

Network Expansion: Domestic vs. International Markets

Flyadeal’s current route network is heavily focused on domestic services, with 80% of its operations taking place within Saudi Arabia. However, as the airline’s fleet expands and new aircraft are delivered, this balance is set to shift. Flyadeal plans to increase its international operations to 35% of its total flights, reducing its domestic share to 65%. This shift will be driven by the airline’s acquisition of both widebody and narrowbody aircraft that are capable of flying to new markets, particularly those that are outside the range of its A320s.

Greenway indicated that Flyadeal is evaluating all routes within a five-hour flight radius of Saudi Arabia, focusing on regional growth opportunities in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. “There’s so much more growth to be had” in the GCC, he said, noting that these markets offer significant potential for expansion without the regulatory and financial burdens often associated with European markets. While European destinations are on Flyadeal’s radar, they are not a top priority for the airline’s immediate growth plans. “Europe is on the list, but not top of the list,” Greenway explained, citing high taxes and stringent regulations as major barriers to entering the European market.

Instead, Flyadeal’s growth will be concentrated in neighboring regions where the airline can maximize its network footprint and depth. By focusing on regional connectivity and expanding its presence in the GCC, Flyadeal is well-positioned to capture a significant share of the growing demand for low-cost air travel in the Middle East.

Operational Philosophy: High Density, Low Cost

Flyadeal has built its reputation as a no-frills, low-cost carrier, and this operational philosophy will extend to its widebody services. Greenway described Flyadeal’s approach as similar to a “bus service,” where the focus is on cabin density and maximizing the number of passengers per flight. While the new widebody aircraft will feature a small premium cabin, the majority of the seating will be designed for economy passengers, reflecting Flyadeal’s commitment to offering affordable travel options.

The airline’s A321s, for example, will be configured with 240 seats, allowing Flyadeal to serve high-demand routes with greater efficiency. The widebody aircraft will be configured similarly, with the emphasis on keeping costs low while providing passengers with a reliable and cost-effective travel option.

As Flyadeal looks to the future, its expansion plans signal the airline’s intention to become a major player in both the Saudi Arabian and regional aviation markets. With its plans to acquire widebody aircraft, grow its fleet to 88 aircraft, and expand its international presence, Flyadeal is well-positioned to meet the increasing demand for low-cost air travel in the Middle East.

Conclusion: A Bright Future for Flyadeal

By maintaining its focus on operational efficiency and cost-effective services, Flyadeal is poised to become a key contributor to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals, helping to boost tourism and enhance the Kingdom’s connectivity to the rest of the world. Whether through wet leasing or the eventual delivery of new aircraft, Flyadeal’s widebody expansion will allow it to serve new markets and meet the growing demand for both religious charter flights and long-haul travel.

As the airline continues to grow, its strategic focus on regional connectivity, fleet expansion, and high-density, low-cost operations will ensure that Flyadeal remains a competitive force in the ever-evolving aviation landscape.

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