Saudi’s flyadeal CEO says domestic aviation market sees ‘strong recovery’; needs more planes

A flyadeal aircraft

Saudi Arabia's domestic air travel market is witnessing a sharp recovery, with passenger numbers now close to pre-pandemic levels, Reuters reported, citing Con Korfiatis, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of flyadeal.

The state-owned budget carrier is due to take delivery between now and the end of the year of four more aircraft from its 2019 order for 30 Airbus (AIR.PA) A320neo jets. It has received three so far.

The company needs more aircraft, the CEO said, adding that there are 15 A320 jets in the fleet as of today, Oct. 7, mostly leased 'CEO' models, which are likely be phased out when their leases expire around 2025.

The airline will also likely next year exercise purchasing options for an additional 20 A320neos, though Korfiatis says no decision has been made just yet.