The first Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) new single-aisle Airbus A320ceo arrived at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah Tuesday evening from Airbus headquarters in Toulouse, France. This is the first plane out of 30 of the same model under the agreement signed last year which stipulates [caption id="attachment_106009" align="alignright" width="300"] B777-300ER [/caption]that Saudia will take delivery of 50 planes, of which 20 will be A330-300 regional twin-aisle aircraft. Till now Saudia has taken delivery of 9 of these planes. At the same time, another new wide-body plane – a Boeing B777-300ER with new first class suites has arrived in Jeddah. Apart from this, the plane is characterized by sophisticated capabilities and high standards that provide the passengers with a different travel experience while they enjoy distinctive services and privacy. The two planes will join the Saudia air transport fleet after the issuance of permits from the General Authority for Civil Aviation (GACA) and they will be accordingly registered. The new A320ceo aircraft is characterized by high operational efficiency, great comfort and the latest technology. With these, the passengers will be provided with the highest standard services and luxury. The plane has 144 seats. Of these, 12 are for business class and 132 for guest class. In a statement on the occasion, Engineer Saleh Bin Nasser Al-Jasser, director general of Saudi Arabian Airlines, said the arrival of the two new planes and their joining the Saudia fleet is an important qualitative plus to the corporation's capabilities. They will support the corporation's strategic plans under its program to modernize and expand the national carrier's fleet to 200 new planes. The arrival of new Saudia planes will enable the corporation to develop its network of domestic and international flights. This initiative will also integrate with the rest of the program's initiatives that include training Saudia staff, upgrading operational efficiency, improving services and developing the products, he said. The new A320ceo plane will be allocated for the domestic sector, he added. During the coming two weeks, Saudia is scheduled to take delivery of three other Airbus A320ceo, two Boeing B777-300ER and one regional A330-300 plane. The seating capacity of Boeing B777-ER is 290 seats. Of these, 12 are first class, 36 are business class and 242 are guest class. — SG
