Flag carrier weighs up options for 50- to 70-seaters as it faces increased competition
Saudi Arabian Airlines is preparing to branch out into regional services and is evaluating various options for the acquisition of small airliners.
The Middle East flag carrier plans to acquire 11 new regional aircraft and is evaluating 50- to 70-seat types, but has yet to narrow its choice. Saudi Arabian Airlines director general Khaled Ben-Bakr says that the carrier is to deploy the regional aircraft on domestic operations, although he has not specified particular routes within the kingdom. "Studies are still in progress as to which aircraft manufacturer will be chosen," he says. "A decision will be taken shortly."
The carrier has been facing the prospect of increased competition within the country following the decision to liberalise the Saudi domestic air transport market.
Saudi Arabian Airlines operates a mix of narrowbody and widebody aircraft, with its fleet of 29 Boeing MD-90s forming the backbone of its short-haul operations. The smallest airliner now operated is the Boeing 737-200, with nine aircraft in service seating around 100 passengers, although one de Havilland Canada Twin Otter turboprop is also flown.
Gulf Air has also evaluated the introduction of regional operations in the Gulf, and has held talks with Bombardier and Embraer, but is yet to commit to the concept.
DAVID KAMINSKI-MORROW / LONDON
Source: Flight International
