Flyadeal is preparing to make key decisions regarding its widebody fleet by the end of 2024. CEO Steven Greenway shared insights during a UK Aviation Club event in London, emphasizing the importance of balancing economics with operational efficiency.
Greenway explained that flyadeal is considering both new and used aircraft as it expands its fleet. The airline is weighing the merits of new Airbus A330s and Boeing 787s while also exploring the possibility of repurposing used 787s already in service within the Saudia Group. This expansion highlights Flyadeal’s widebody options.
“They are already in the Kingdom, there’s experience with the engine and the airframe. So you already now have two operators with the 787s and General Electric engines, so that is one option,” Greenway said. He added that relying on wet leases would hinder the company’s ability to operate sustainably.
Flyadeal’s current fleet includes eleven A320-200s and twenty-five A320neos, alongside a single wet-leased A330-200 from Jordan Aviation, according to ch-aviation fleets data. The airline aims to achieve widebody deliveries between 2027 and 2028.
Strategic Benefits of Larger Aircraft
During a late-November appearance on the Bitesize Business Breakfast Podcast, Greenway highlighted the operational advantages of larger aircraft. He noted that Flyadeal is considering widebody aircraft to address slot and terminal constraints during peak hours, especially at airports such as Dubai International and Riyadh.
Greenway also identified India as a potential destination for the airline’s future widebody operations, signaling its interest in expanding into high-demand routes.
The CEO discussed the growing demand for domestic travel, particularly on the Riyadh-Jeddah route. This corridor has gained popularity among both business travelers and Saudi citizens commuting between the two cities. “Many Saudis are now working in the capital due to Vision 2030 investments, but they leave their families in Jeddah, meaning they commute daily between the two cities,” Greenway explained.
Meanwhile, the Dubai-Jeddah route has emerged as another busy corridor for business travelers, reflecting Flyadeal’s potential inclusion of widebody aircraft to connect major hubs across the region.
As part of its long-term plans, Flyadeal expects to add its first Airbus A321neo to its fleet by the first quarter of 2026. The airline previously ruled out the Airbus A350 as a widebody option, deeming it too large for its operational needs.
