Article from BTNews 22 AUGUST 2016
A330 Regional first for Saudia
Saudi Arabian Airlines last week became the world’s first operator of the Airbus A330-300 Regional variant, after taking delivery of the type in a ceremony in Toulouse.
Airbus describes the aircraft, which was launched in 2013 at the Beijing Air Show, as a lower-weight variant of the A330-300 for use on domestic and regional routes in high-growth markets with large populations and concentrated traffic flows. Saudia placed an order for 20 of the type at the 2015 Paris Air Show.
Welcoming the handover, Saudia director-general Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser said: “The advantage of operating the new regional version of such a popular aircraft with proven operational flexibility and lowest cost per seat means unbeatable economics for our business and our customers.
“Bringing the aircraft into the Saudia fleet is a step forward in recognising our commitment to a family of aircraft which has contributed immensely to our market growth.”
The A330-300 Regional joins the airline’s Airbus fleet of 12 A330-300s and 50 A320 Family aircraft.
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