Saudia, Saudi Arabia’s national airline, has marked the triple delivery of two Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and a 777-300ER.
A third Dreamliner will be delivered to Saudia within the next week. The airline ordered eight 787-9s in 2010.
On February 2, 2016, Saudia took delivery of its first two Boeing 787-9s, along with a 777-300ER
Saudia (formally known as Saudi Arabian Airlines) is no stranger to multiple deliveries, according to Boeing: in December 1999, the manufacturer delivered three 777s to the carrier.
“The delivery of our first Dreamliners marks yet another exciting chapter in Saudia’s long-standing relationship with Boeing that began in the early 1960s,” said Saleh bin Nasser al-Jasser, director-general of Saudi Arabian Airlines.
“With its reputation for reliability, operational efficiency and comfort, we now look forward to the 787 becoming an integral addition to Saudia’s fleet as we continue our fleet modernization and expansion as part of our transformation plans,” al-Jasser added.
The airline will now have 48 Boeing jets in its fleet, as well as an even larger number of Airbus aircraft.
In two orders, Saudi Arabian Airlines ordered 20 Boeing 777-300ERs to add to the 23 777-200ERs it already had in service. The carrier also took over an order for eight Boeing 787s from Kuwait-based leasing company ALAFCO
Saudia’s Boeing jets currently include 777-200ERs, 777-300ERs and 747-400s. Over the past 55 years, Saudia has taken delivery of more than 130 Boeing aircraft, including 707s, 737s, MD-11Fs, DC-9s and MD-90s.
Having entered service in 2011, the 787 family is now flying more than 350 routes and has established more than 75 new non-stop routes around the world.
More than 60 customers, including Saudia, have placed orders for more than 1,000 787s, making the Dreamliner the fastest-selling twin-aisle aircraft in Boeing history.
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