National carrier Saudi Arabian Airlines has taken delivery of an A330-300 Regional aircraft, becoming the first airline to receive the new member from Airbus’ A330 family.
With the new aircraft, Saudi Arabian Airlines aims to increase the capacity of its regional and domestic routes.
The newly delivered jet is one of 20 A330-300 Regional aircraft ordered by the airline last year.
Designed to fly for up to five hours, the new A330-300 Regional aircraft is suitable for short-haul to medium-haul routes.
Compared with the existing long-range A330-300, the new aircraft reduces the overall operation cost by 20% and carries roughly 200t.
Saudi Arabian Airlines director general Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser said: “It is a step forward in recognising our commitment to a family of aircraft, which has contributed immensely to our market growth.
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By GlobalData“The advantage of operating the new regional version of such a popular aircraft with proven operational flexibility and lowest cost per seat means unbeatable economics for our business and our customers.”
The airline’s existing Airbus fleet currently includes 12 A330-300s and 50 A320 family aircraft.
Saudi Arabian Airlines will lease the A330-300 Regional aircraft fleet from global lessor International Air Finance Corporation (IAFC).
Airbus Middle East managing director Fouad Attar said: “We are convinced our most popular wide-body aircraft will play an instrumental role in supporting the regional network expansion of the airline.”
Last month, Airbus delivered an A320neo aircraft powered by CFM International’s LEAP-1A engines to Turkey’s Pegasus Airlines.
Image: Airbus delivers an A330-300 Regional jet to Saudi Arabian Airlines. Photo: courtesy of Airbus.
