Saudia Negotiating Record Jet Deal with Boeing and Airbus

• The potential order involves at least 150 jets including both narrowbody and widebody aircraft models
• Negotiations are still in early stages with both Boeing and Airbus competing for the deal
• This would be a record-sized aircraft purchase for the Saudi flagship carrier as part of the kingdom's aviation expansion plans

Market Summary: Saudia in Talks for Major Aircraft Order

Key Development:

Saudi Arabia's national carrier Saudia is reportedly in early-stage negotiations with Boeing and Airbus for a substantial aircraft order of at least 150 jets, according to Bloomberg News sources. The deal would include both narrowbody and widebody aircraft.

Companies Involved:

• Saudia: Saudi Arabia's flagship airline
• Boeing: U.S. aircraft manufacturer
• Airbus: European aircraft manufacturer

Market Implications:

This potential order represents a significant opportunity for both aerospace giants as they compete for market share in the Middle East, a key growth region for aviation. A deal of this magnitude would provide substantial revenue visibility for either or both manufacturers and reflects Saudi Arabia's continued investment in expanding its aviation sector as part of broader economic diversification efforts.

The order size of "at least 150" aircraft suggests a multi-billion dollar transaction, though specific financial terms were not disclosed. Such orders typically involve a mix of aircraft types to serve different route requirements, from regional narrowbody jets to long-haul widebody aircraft.

Current Status:

Negotiations are described as being in "early talks," indicating the deal structure, aircraft mix, and final numbers remain fluid. Reuters noted it could not independently verify the Bloomberg report at the time of publication.

Context:

This development aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 initiative to reduce oil dependency and expand its tourism and business travel sectors, requiring significant fleet expansion for its national carrier.

The announcement comes at a time when both Boeing and Airbus are managing substantial order backlogs while navigating supply chain challenges in the post-pandemic aviation recovery.