Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) could order up to 20 Boeing widebody aircraft as early as the Farnborough Airshow in the UK later this month, according to industry insiders.
The carrier has been contemplating a widebody aircraft order for years including showing interest in Airbus’ superjumbo A380.
However, consensus among the community of aviation industry professionals suggests Saudi Arabia’s national carrier will opt for the new Boeing 777X aircraft and an order could result as early as the Farnborough Airshow in the UK later this month.
“An order is very likely,” said Saj Ahmad chief analyst at StrategicAero Research adding that the airline “is likely to opt for the 777X and snub the A380.”
Opting for Boeing aircraft “fits in well from a crewing standpoint” said Ahmad, referring to the aircraft’s existing fleet of 777s and 787 Dreamliners.
Speculation has been rife about when the order could be made. Some had speculated the order would be announced during Saudi Prince Mohammad Bin Salman’s whirlwind tour of the US in April.
Attention has now shifted to the world’s second largest airshow. “Rumours abound that it’ll happen at Farnborough,” said Ahmad.
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