Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) celebrated the arrival of the last A320ceo plane in Jeddah, coming from Toulouse, France, completing the deal signed in 2015 in a record time of 21 months since the arrival of the first aircraft in December 2016.

During a ceremony held at the King Abdulaziz International Airport, the director general of the Saudi Airlines, Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, said: "Between the Saudi Airlines and Airbus is a historical relationship that began more than three decades ago and developed into a strategic partnership with the signing of the agreement to receive 50 aircraft, including 20 A330-300."

The deal was signed under the auspices of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Crown Prince and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense during his visit to France in 2015 and holding talks with the French President Macron.

"These aircraft have boosted Saudi Arabia's operational capabilities and added more than six million seats on the domestic flights network, contributing to new international destinations as well as existing destinations," said Al Jasser.

"Saudia is the first of its kind to operate such models in the world," Al-Jasser added.

"The first fleet of A320neo aircraft will arrive soon and will be a new and powerful addition to the fleet of Saudi Airlines, which is witnessing the largest programme to modernise and develop its fleet to enhance the capabilities of the national carrier," he added. - TradeArabia News Service