Saudia, the flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, announced the creation of flyadeal on 17 April 2016.[1][2][3] The venture is part of Saudia Group's SV2020 Transformation Strategy, which aims to elevate the group's units into world-class status by 2020. flyadeal targeted domestic travellers, Hajj and Umrah pilgrims and the rising number of tourists, among other groups.[4] The airline launched flights on 23 September 2017, linking Jeddah to Riyadh.[5]
On 10 June 2022 Flyadeal began operating flights from Dammam to Cairo.[6]
On 7 July 2019, flyadeal revealed its intention to order 30 Airbus A320neo aircraft with a further 20 options. flyadeal had previously committed to the Boeing 737 MAX but chose not to firm up its equivalent order of 30 aircraft and 20 options due to the Boeing 737 MAX groundings. Boeing attributed the decision to "scheduling requirements".[20][21]
In July 2021, it was stated that flyadeal will start taking delivery of A320neo later in the year, as part of an order for up to 50 aircraft. The low cost carrier's future plans call for a fleet of 100 aircraft.[22]
Incidents
On 10 February 2021, a flyadeal Airbus A320 registered as "HZ-FAB" was reported damaged after a Houthi drone attack at Abha International Airport in Saudi Arabia.[23] No one was reported injured and investigations are still ongoing. The aircraft was repaired, and returned to service.[24]
The aircraft involved in the incident (HZ-FAB) parked at Jeddah airport 14 months earlier.
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