Flyadeal plans to finalize its decision on acquiring widebody aircraft by the end of 2024. The airline is weighing the benefits of operating new versus used aircraft as it aims to expand its fleet to meet growing demand for long-haul routes. Currently operating an all-Airbus A320 fleet, Flyadeal has been using wet-leased widebody aircraft to serve religious and peak leisure routes but now seeks to bring in its own long-haul planes, which may include Flyadeal widebody aircraft.
“We have high-volume routes, like Thailand for leisure. There will be selective regional [routes] where we really need some lift. And it is then really religious and labor traffic that we are focused on,” Flyadeal CEO Steven Greenway said during an event in London earlier in November. He added that the airline targets “high-volume, low-yield [routes],” which are central to its growth plans.
Options Within the Saudia Group
As part of the Saudia Group, Flyadeal benefits from unique opportunities in fleet sourcing. The airline is considering new Boeing 787s or Airbus A330neos, as well as repurposed used 787s from Saudia’s fleet to potentially have Flyadeal widebody aircraft in the future. Saudia currently operates Boeing 787-9s powered by GE Aerospace GEnx engines, a combination that has also been selected by Riyadh Air, the new national carrier.
“They are already in the Kingdom, there’s experience with the engine and the airframe,” Greenway said. “So you already now have two operators with the 787s and GE engines, so that is one option.”
Using Saudia’s retired 787s is another possibility. Greenway highlighted the cost advantages of used aircraft, saying, “Your cost of ownership is virtually nothing as it’s a written-off asset for the most part, but you have increased maintenance and engine costs. However, the airframes are proven, the engines are proven, and Saudia knows how to operate them like the back of their hand.”
Advantages of Airbus A330neos
Flyadeal is also considering the Airbus A330neo as an option. Greenway pointed out the ease of integrating the A330neo into the fleet because the airline already operates Airbus aircraft. He explained that transitioning from the A320 to a widebody would be a logical step for Flyadeal, especially if it considers Flyadeal widebody aircraft for future operations.
“If you take the A330neo or the new 787, you’ve got a cost of ownership that you have to deal with and make sure you get the right price. You don’t have that with used aircraft, but you’ve got the fuel efficiency from a new widebody,” Greenway said, adding that the evaluation process requires careful consideration of all options.
Focus on Delivery Timelines and Fleet Growth
Delivery schedules for new aircraft also play a critical role in Flyadeal’s decision-making process. The airline anticipates deliveries in 2027 or 2028 to align with its growing wet-lease operation. “We have already been a widebody operator, albeit on the wet-lease side. So we are becoming very familiar [with it],” Greenway stated. The airline has expanded its wet-lease fleet from three to seven widebodies in three years to meet demand.
Flyadeal currently operates 36 Airbus A320s, including 25 A320neos, and plans to grow its fleet to 88 aircraft within four years. The airline’s first A321neos, part of a new order for 51 Airbus narrowbodies placed earlier this year, will enter service in early 2026, marking a significant growth that might eventually include Flyadeal widebody aircraft.
