24 August 2017

Budget airline flyadeal to expand into Middle East destinations in long term

KSA's new budget airline flyadeal was officially inaugurated at the the Royal Fleet Hangar at King Abdulaziz International Airport on August 23. At centrestage was the first flyadeal aircraft, which had arrived in Jeddah from the Airbus delivery center in Hamburg, Germany. The aircraft has been named Al-Nayyir (النيَر), which means 'bright star’.

Source: flyadeal. The budget airline flyadeal was inaugurated at a ceremony on August 24.
Source: flyadeal. The budget airline flyadeal was inaugurated at a ceremony on August 24. The airline’s colours – a distinct palette of purple and lime – was on full display at the delivery event, along with members of the cabin crew, which gave guests a tour of the unique features onboard.

Announced in 2016, flyadeal will commence operations on 23 September 2017, on KSA's national day, serving domestic markets initially before expanding into Middle East markets. The airline is operated as a separate company under Saudi Arabian Airlines Corporation and focused on providing a low-fare, high-value product to a growing travel segment in the kingdom.

Al-Nayyir is flyadeal's first aircraft and the first of eight Airbus A320ceo aircraft acquired for its fleet from Dubai Aerospace Enterprise, Airbus reported. With 186 seats in a single-class configuration, flyadeal’s A320 features the latest Recaro 18” wide economy class seats, equipped with USB power outlets and personal device holders.

Chairman of flyadeal HE Saleh Al Jasser said: “Saudi Arabia has launched its Vision 2030; a strategic platform for the future development of the kingdom where transportation and tourism are key pillars. The launch of flyadeal is core to the strategy to mobilise further the country and the region.”

Al Jasser added, “The unique identity and service model of flyadeal will provide travellers with an experience that is complementary with the modern and budget conscious traveller.”

CEO of flyadeal Con Korfiatis said: “Flyadeal will be Saudi Arabia’s newest airline, providing a unique experience with an optimal fleet to serve our domestic and regional markets. The Airbus A320 has been distinctly selected for the needs of our operation, and we look forward to passengers experiencing flyadeal’s onboard service.

“Saudi Arabia and the region have a very young and digitally savvy population that has an increasing thirst for low fare travel domestically and across the region. Flyadeal plans to serve and grow this significant segment of air travel.”

DAE CEO Firoz Tarapore said, “We are delighted to be able to support flyadeal’s fleet strategy as it begins operations, and we look forward to working with the airline to fulfill its fleet ambitions, going forward.

“Having listened to our customers, we feel that the acquisition of these popular and efficient single aisle aircraft reflect continuing market demand for this type of plane.”

John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer Customers, Airbus Commercial Aircraft added, “Airbus is committed to play a major role in supporting flyadeal in its exciting journey, enabling more people to fly at affordable cost.

Flyadeal’s decision to launch its operations with an A320ceo fleet is a clear affirmation of the continuing appeal of a product that provides an exceptionally comfortable cabin, low operating costs and excellent fuel consumption. These factors will provide a framework from which the airline can build and sustain its future successes and market growth, in both KSA and the region.”

The A320 family is the aircraft family of choice within the low cost carrier market, said Airbus. To date, the family has won over 13,200 orders and more than 7,700 aircraft have been delivered to some 400 customers and operators worldwide. The full fleet for flyadeal will arrive by mid-2018, and expansion is expected for the future.