Saudi Arabian Airlines, Saudi Arabia’s national airline, has become the newest operator of the Airbus A330, after taking delivery of its first long range Airbus aircraft in almost 30 years. The aircraft was delivered at a ceremony in Toulouse attended by His Excellency Engineer Khalid al Molhem, Director General of Saudi Arabian Airlines, and John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers.

The Rolls-Royce powered A330-300, is the first to be delivered from an order for eight aircraft signed in July 2008. The delivery takes the number of customers and operators of the world’s most popular twin aisle medium to long haul aircraft to 140.

"We are seeing rising passenger demand and with unbeatable economics and passenger comfort, the A330 is the ideal aircraft. Together with our new Airbus A320s, our A330s will allow us to get the maximum efficiency from flying two aircraft families which share common controls and maintenance,” said His Excellency Engineer Khalid al Molhem.

“It is a remarkable achievement that the Airbus A330 has become essential to Saudi Arabian Airline’s fleet modernisation. The A330 is today’s leading medium to long range twin aisle aircraft, with market leading productivity and proven reliability. The aircraft will also meet the most demanding passenger comfort expectations,” said John Leahy.

The Airbus A330 remains the most economic means of flying some 300 passengers on medium range routes in true long haul comfort. As well as offering unbeatable operating economics and productivity, the A330 is also one of the world’s most fuel efficient aircraft.

With a true wide-body fuselage allowing very high comfort standards, the A330-300 is able to accommodate seat and class configurations to suit a range of customer requirements. It has a range of up to 5,650 nm / 10,500 km with a full passenger load. Highly efficient and optimized for the medium – to extended range market, the A330-300 offers the best balance between range and cost. Orders for the A330 stand at more than 1080 aircraft.

Source: Press Release (ِAirbus and Saudi Arabian Airlines)