Aviation

Saudi Arabia Planning New Cargo Airline with Boeing, Airbus Jets

Saudi Arabia may be on the verge of launching a new cargo-only airline, according to a recent Bloomberg report published on August 20, 2024.

The report, citing unnamed sources familiar with the matter, suggests that the Kingdom’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) is in active discussions with aerospace giants Airbus and Boeing to secure freighter aircraft for this potential new venture.

The proposed cargo airline is expected to bolster the operations of Saudia, the national carrier of Saudi Arabia, as well as the newly established Riyadh Air. This move aligns with the Kingdom’s ambitious Vision 2030 plan, which aims to transform Saudi Arabia into a leading international logistics hub.

By enhancing both passenger and freight air transport, the plan seeks to attract investment, boost trade, and drive economic development, ultimately providing long-term sustainable benefits for the nation.

Sources indicate that Saudia’s focus will shift towards religious pilgrimages, with its cargo operations likely to be integrated into the new airline. Bloomberg’s report also hints that Saudia’s ownership might be transferred to the PIF as early as 2025.

riyadh air another key element of the Vision 2030 strategy, was established by the PIF to build a robust network capable of competing with regional heavyweights like Emirates and Qatar Airways. Currently, Dubai-based Emirates operates a fleet of 14 freighters, with plans to more than double this number in the coming decade, while qatar airways already boasts a fleet of 28 cargo jets.

The potential launch of a new cargo airline reflects Saudi Arabia’s strategic efforts to capitalize on its geographic position and enhance its role in global logistics. passenger to freighter conversion As the country seeks to diversify its economy and reduce its dependence on oil, the development of a dedicated cargo airline could be a significant step toward achieving these broader goals.

Aviation

COMAC Unveils Plans for the C929 to Rival Airbus and Boeing

After the success of China’s first C919 aircraft, the country is setting its sights on developing a larger plane. COMAC (Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China) has officially confirmed plans to build a widebody aircraft, marking a significant step in its aircraft lineup.

Traditionally, Airbus and Boeing dominate the widebody aircraft market, with decades of expertise in developing planes and engines capable of carrying heavy payloads. China, which currently relies on imported engines, is now aiming to challenge these giants with its own widebody jet, the C929, designed to compete with the Airbus A350 and Boeing 777.

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The C929 will be China’s first independently developed long-range widebody aircraft. It adheres to international airworthiness standards and boasts independent intellectual property rights. The baseline version is designed to seat 280 passengers and offers a range of 12,000 kilometers, catering to global demand for both regional and international air travel.

Russia, which also needs reliable narrowbody and widebody aircraft, could become a key customer for the C929. Additionally, China plans to target the broader Asian market as it continues to expand its aviation capabilities.

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China’s aviation progress includes the ARJ21 (now called C909), a regional jet with 100 seats for shorter routes, and the C919, a narrowbody jet with 180 seats designed to rival the Boeing 737 MAX and Airbus A320. Both models have found increasing demand in the domestic market.

At China’s largest air show in Zhuhai, COMAC announced that Air China will be the launch customer for the C929 widebody jet, though details about order size and delivery timelines were not disclosed.

Other major deals announced by COMAC include:

Hainan Airlines: Firm orders for 60 C919 and 40 C909 regional jets.
Colorful Guizhou Airlines: 30 C909 jets, with 20 firm orders and 10 provisional agreements.

The C929, renamed from the CR929 after Russia withdrew from the joint development project in 2023, is expected to carry 280–400 passengers with a range of 12,000 kilometers, competing directly with Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner.

According to COMAC’s deputy general manager, Tong Yu, the first fuselage section of the C929 is expected by September 2027, with prototype test flights anticipated soon after.