Abdul Hadi Al Qahtani Group of Companies subsidiary SaudiGulf has placed a firm order for four Airbus A320ceo aircraft.

Scheduled for delivery in early 2015, the aircraft will be equipped with Airbus Sharklet fuel saving wing-tip devices.

Airbus’s Sharklets are made from lightweight composites that reduce the aircraft’s fuel burn and emissions by nearly 4% on longer flights.

SaudiGulf is one of two airlines to obtain licenses to operate domestic and international flights from Saudi airports, with plans to launch its operations out of Dammam, in the first quarter of 2015.

"It is used in a full range of services from very short-haul airline routes to intercontinental segments, providing a new airline with a great deal of flexibility."

Abdul Hadi Al Qahtani Group of Companies chairman Tariq Abdel Hadi Al Qahtani said: "The A320 is an ideal choice as it provides us with the perfect mix of performance, reliability, flexibility and great economics, whilst offering a very high level of passenger comfort."

The A320 Family is a modern aircraft family in single aisle market.

To date, Airbus has sold more than 10,200 single aisle aircraft and delivered 6,000 jets to 400 customers and operators.

Airbus Customers chief operating officer John Leahy said the A320 will contribute positioning SaudiGulf as a premium service airline when it begins its operations.

"It is used in a full range of services from very short-haul airline routes to intercontinental segments, providing a new airline with a great deal of flexibility," Leahy said.

"We are thrilled to see a new airline starting its business today and we feel privileged to be part of this journey."

Defence Technology