Saudi Arabian Airlines picked up their first two Boeing 777-300ERs on Monday, only to order eight more of the widebody jets before bringing their new planes back to Jeddah.
First Boeing 777-300ER for Saudi Arabian Airlines, registered HZ-AK11. (Photo by Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren)
The follow-on order, which Boeing says had already been accounted for and attributed to an unidentified customer in their online order book, is worth about $2.4 billion at list prices.
Saudi Arabian, the flag carrier of the Middle Eastern nation, already operates 23 Boeing 777-200ERs, which first entered service with the Jeddah-based airline in 1997. Eight Boeing 787 Dreamliners have been ordered, as well.
“The new order reiterates our confidence in the 777 which has justifiably earned a reputation for its improved fuel efficiency, reliability and passenger comfort,” said H.E. Eng. Khaled Al-Mulhim, director general of Saudi Arabian Airlines. “With the ongoing growth of business and industry in Saudi Arabia, demand in domestic, regional and international travel is also increasing rapidly and the 777-300ER will play a significant role in our long-term strategy growth to expand and modernize our fleet with newer, more fuel-efficient airplanes.”
Saudi and Boeing officials climb aboard the new plane. (Photo by Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren)
