Latest news with #RiyadhAir
Zawya
2 hours ago
- Business
- Zawya
Saudi firms to place orders for dozens of Airbus jets, sources say
NEW DELHI - Saudi Arabia is set to place orders for billions of dollars of Airbus jets as the kingdom balances suppliers in its quest to match the aviation growth of Gulf neighbours, industry sources said. Leasing company AviLease, which placed an order for 30 Boeing 737 MAX jets during a visit to the region this month by U.S. President Donald Trump, could place a comparable order for Airbus A320neo jets at next month's Paris Airshow, they said. The fast-growing company, which aims to be one of the world's top lessors, is also potentially interested in Airbus A350 freighters, they added. Barring a problem in negotiations, startup airline Riyadh Air appears poised to select the Airbus A350 over Boeing's delayed 777X, they said. The possible Riyadh Air A350 deal, which Bloomberg earlier reported could involve 50 jets, would also be announced at one of this year's trade shows. Airbus declined comment. AviLease was not immediately available. Riyadh Air reiterated it was studying an order for large wide-body planes. 'A decision will be made in the coming months,' a spokesperson added.
Irish Independent
2 days ago
- Business
- Irish Independent
‘It's been a great adventure' – Peter Bellew leaves Riyadh Air role after almost three years
Mr Bellew has been with the airline, which is due to begin scheduled flights later this year, for almost three years and his current role was announced just over two years ago. Earlier this year, Riyadh Air postponed its launch date to later in 2025 due to supply chain issues at Boeing. The carrier is aiming to make Riyadh a hub for traffic between Asia, Africa and Europe. By 2030 its target is to serve 100 destinations. Riyadh Air, backed by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, will be the second flag-carrier in the country, with the government already owning airline Saudia. Riyadh Air has billions of dollars' worth of orders from Boeing and Airbus and is planning to have a fleet of up to 200 jets. Getting a new widebody airline licence, launching an airline, and building a super team was fascinating Last autumn, it placed an order for 60 Airbus A321 jets and it also has orders for Boeing Dreamliners. Riyadh Air's CEO is Tony Douglas, a former executive at Abu Dhabi's Etihad. Mr Bellew confirmed his departure from Riyadh Air. 'It has been a great adventure with Riyadh Air for the last three years,' he said. 'Getting a new widebody airline licence, launching an airline, and building a super team was fascinating. Being welcomed by the wonderful Saudi people was the highlight.' He said he is 'optimistic for the future' and that the 'journey is the reward'. Mr Bellew, from Co Meath, was CEO of Malaysia Airlines before rejoining Ryanair in 2017 as chief operations officer. He was hired by Michael O'Leary as Ryanair dealt with pilot unrest that ultimately resulted in company-wide union recognition. In 2019, Mr Bellew announced that he was leaving Ryanair and later said he would be joining EasyJet as its chief operating officer. Ryanair tried to enforce a non-compete clause, taking a case against Mr Bellew in the High Court. But Mr Bellew won, with the High Court ruling a non-compete clause in his contract was not enforceable. Mr Bellew resigned from EasyJet in 2022. Mr Douglas told Reuters last month that Riyadh Air would be interested in acquiring Boeing aircraft that Chinese carriers have opted not to take due to the trade war that erupted between the US and the rest of the world, should the opportunity arise..
Business Recorder
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Saudi firms to place orders for dozens of Airbus jets, sources say
NEW DELHI: Saudi Arabia is set to place orders for billions of dollars of Airbus jets as the kingdom balances suppliers in its quest to match the aviation growth of Gulf neighbours, industry sources said. Leasing company AviLease, which placed an order for 30 Boeing 737 MAX jets during a visit to the region this month by U.S. President Donald Trump, could place a comparable order for Airbus A320neo jets at next month's Paris Airshow, they said. The fast-growing company, which aims to be one of the world's top lessors, is also potentially interested in Airbus A350 freighters, they added. Barring a problem in negotiations, startup airline Riyadh Air appears poised to select the Airbus A350 over Boeing's delayed 777X, they said. Saudi Arabia to invest $600bn, says White House as US, KSA sign $142bn defence deal The possible Riyadh Air A350 deal, which Bloomberg earlier reported could involve 50 jets, would also be announced at one of this year's trade shows. Airbus declined comment. AviLease was not immediately available. Riyadh Air reiterated it was studying an order for large wide-body planes. 'A decision will be made in the coming months,' a spokesperson added.
Reuters
3 days ago
- Business
- Reuters
Saudi firms to place orders for dozens of Airbus jets, sources say
NEW DELHI, May 30 (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia is set to place orders for billions of dollars of Airbus ( opens new tab jets as the kingdom balances suppliers in its quest to match the aviation growth of Gulf neighbours, industry sources said. Leasing company AviLease, which placed an order for 30 Boeing (BA.N), opens new tab 737 MAX jets during a visit to the region this month by U.S. President Donald Trump, could place a comparable order for Airbus A320neo jets at next month's Paris Airshow, they said. The fast-growing company, which aims to be one of the world's top lessors, is also potentially interested in Airbus A350 freighters, they added. Barring a problem in negotiations, startup airline Riyadh Air appears poised to select the Airbus A350 over Boeing's delayed 777X, they said. The possible Riyadh Air A350 deal, which Bloomberg earlier reported could involve 50 jets, would also be announced at one of this year's trade shows. Airbus declined comment. AviLease was not immediately available. Riyadh Air reiterated it was studying an order for large wide-body planes. 'A decision will be made in the coming months,' a spokesperson added.
Tourism Breaking News
5 days ago
- Business
- Tourism Breaking News
Malaysia expects one million tourists from Middle East by end of the year
Post Views: 64 In an exclusive interview with TravTalk ME, Datuk Manoharan Periasamy – Director General of Tourism Malaysia shared that they expect to close the year with one million visitors from the Middle East region. 'Last year, Malaysia welcomed 194,000 visitors from the Middle East. Given our strategic initiatives, increased connectivity, and renewed market engagement, we are setting our sights much higher. Based on current airline capacity planning and market interest, we confidently project welcoming more than one million visitors from the Middle East by the end of 2025.' Speaking on some of the key initiatives that they are currently working on, Periasamy reiterated, 'We recognise the growing need to introduce more B2C-focused programs tailored for the Middle Eastern market. We've observed that younger travellers from this region are increasingly exploring destinations other than Malaysia—possibly due to a perception that Malaysia lacks activities or products that cater specifically to their interests and lifestyles. In response, we have initiated collaborations with trusted local partners in the Middle East to develop 'soft adventure' and lifestyle experiences that appeal to the younger demographic. While families from the region continue to choose Malaysia as a preferred holiday destination, we aim to re-engage younger travellers who are currently exploring alternatives in neighbouring countries. Our industry discussions and trade events with Middle Eastern operators have highlighted a key challenge: accessibility. While Malaysia receives a considerable number of Middle Eastern visitors—many of whom travel for religious purposes—the seat capacity between major cities in Saudi Arabia and Kuala Lumpur remains limited. To address this, we are actively working with key airlines including Riyadh Air and flynas. We are optimistic about launching direct routes from Saudi Arabia to Malaysia—potentially as early as the end of this year—which will greatly enhance travel accessibility and support our broader tourism goals. Furthermore, we are forming strategic partnerships with travel specialists such as Al Musafir in Saudi Arabia and others who focus on niche tourism products. Destinations like Sabah, Sarawak, and Kuala Lumpur continue to hold strong appeal for younger visitors, particularly those interested in entertainment, urban culture, and experiential travel. Malaysia also offers extensive halal dining options, with halal-certified restaurants and food experiences readily available. This is a significant advantage for Middle Eastern travellers seeking destinations that align with their dietary and cultural needs. We acknowledge that Malaysia may have previously underrepresented products suited to the younger generation due to a perception of conservatism. However, through ongoing dialogue with Middle Eastern operators, we are working to spotlight offerings that resonate with Gen Z and young adults—especially in vibrant markets like Saudi Arabia, where the majority of outbound travellers are under 35. On connectivity, we are also engaging with markets beyond the UAE and Saudi Arabia—such as Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman. While UAE and Doha offer strong air connectivity, markets like Kuwait and Bahrain still face limited direct access. However, these gaps are partially bridged by services from regional carriers like Air Arabia.'
