Saudia to launch new low cost carrier

Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) said on Monday that it has launched Flyadeal, a new low cost carrier set to start operating by mid-2017, Saleh Al Jasser, the general director of Saudia said in a statement.

Al Jasser said the new company will operate independently of Saudi Airlines at low rates, while maintaining high safety levels and service standards.

Flyadeal will aim to serve several routes across the kingdom, such as Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam, as well as key regional markets. The head office will be located in Jeddah.

Last June, Saudia ordered 50 airbus planes at the Parish Airshow for nearly $8 billion. The move came as part of a plan to nearly double its fleet to 200 aircrafts by 2020, according to data compiled by Argaam.