Airlines

Saudi Arabia to order 40 A350s for new national airline RIA

To start a new airline and compete with Gulf heavyweight carriers, Saudi Arabia order 40 A350s.

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Saudi Arabia is in advanced talks with Airbus to purchase over 40 A350 aircraft as part of a larger, multi-billion dollar effort to start a new airline and compete with Gulf heavyweight carriers.

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People familiar with the situation informed Reuters on October 23, 2022, that the new aircraft would eventually join the fleet of the nation’s forthcoming national airline, Riyadh-based RIA. The kingdom’s Public Investment Fund might make the official announcement of the acquisition, which is expected to be valued at around $12 billion at list prices, during the Future Investment Initiative summit, which is slated to take place between October 25 and October 27, 2022.

A $100 billion investment in the aviation industry over the next eight years, the majority of which would go toward developing a new national carrier operating international routes, is one of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals. The nation hopes to start operations with the new airline in the fourth quarter of 2022 and expects to serve at least 30 million travellers annually, up from the existing 4 million.

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The PIF-backed airline will face competition from other significant regional carriers including Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, and Emirates. Huge funding is being provided to the PIF’s aviation division in order to establish an ecosystem of cargo and passenger airlines and airports. The PIF is purchasing and leasing options for a fleet that might eventually contain 200 aircraft, the source said.

Arabian Business reported that the nation will invest $30 billion in the new airline, which will focus on more than 150 routes in 80 different nations.

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Airlines

PIA Reinstates Manchester and Paris Routes After EU Ban Lift

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has announced plans to resume flights to Europe starting in January, beginning with Paris as its first destination.

The decision follows the European Union Aviation Safety Agency’s (EASA) removal of a long-standing ban on the airline. PIA’s inaugural flight to Paris is scheduled for January 10, with bookings opening on December 9.

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In an official statement, PIA spokesperson Abdullah Hafeez Khan confirmed that the first flight schedule has been approved, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s recovery efforts. The EU ban had previously cost PIA approximately Rs40 billion ($144 million) annually in lost revenue, compounding its financial struggles.

With European operations restarting, PIA is now setting its sights on the United Kingdom. The airline plans to seek approval from the UK Department for Transport (DfT) to resume flights to major British cities such as London, Manchester, and Birmingham.

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These routes are anticipated to see high demand once necessary clearances are obtained. The lifting of the EU ban represents a key achievement for PIA as it works to rebuild its international network and regain its standing in the global aviation market.

By restoring flights to Europe and aiming for UK destinations, PIA is taking critical steps toward recovering lost ground and improving its financial outlook.