Saudi Arabia’s Future Aviation Forum tallies $19 billion in deals
Saudia announced an order for 105 narrow-body aircraft from Airbus, its biggest ever, overshadowing Boeing's dealmaking at the Riyadh event
Saudis and foreign delegates attend the Future Aviation Forum in Riyadh on May 20. (Photo: Getty Images)
Saudi Arabia’s Future Aviation Forum entered its second day after tallying 47 separate deals worth $19 billion.
Leading the dealmakers was Saudia Group, which owns flag carrier Saudia Airline and low-cost flyadeal, announcing an order with Airbus on Monday for 105 narrow-body aircraft.
The deal for an undisclosed price was described as the largest purchase ever from a Saudi airline. Saudia’s Airbus order was a setback for Boeing, which has yet to close a deal being negotiated with the kingdom’s new airline, Riyadh Air.
Other transactions included national air service agreements, aircraft orders, cargo and logistics, advanced air mobility, human capability, information technology, and maintenance, repair and overhaul agreements.
Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, President of the Saudi General Authority on Commercial Aviation, called the forum’s first day a “tremendous success, in terms of commercial deals, policy initiatives and agreements to elevate global connectivity.”