Flyadeal to Shift Focus to International Air Route Expansion with New Flights

Sunday, October 6, 2024

Saudi Arabia’s low-cost carrier Flyadeal is gearing up for a significant shift in its network strategy as the airline continues to expand its fleet. Currently, Flyadeal’s operations are heavily domestic, with 80% of its flights serving routes within Saudi Arabia. However, with the arrival of new aircraft, Flyadeal is set to increase its focus on international routes, with the goal of rebalancing its network to 65% domestic and 35% international operations by 2028.

Flyadeal CEO Steven Greenway, speaking at the Routes World 2024 conference in Bahrain, emphasized the airline’s strategic shift towards international growth. “As new aircraft arrive, we will be rebalancing our network. The focus is not just on expanding geographically but on deepening our presence in key markets,” Greenway said.

New Aircraft to Enable International Growth

Flyadeal’s fleet expansion is central to its international growth plans. The airline is set to grow from 35 to 88 aircraft over the next four years, thanks to a steady stream of Airbus A320 and A321 deliveries. Additionally, the airline is evaluating widebody aircraft, with plans to order either Airbus A330s or Boeing 787s by the end of 2024. These widebody aircraft will allow Flyadeal to serve long-haul destinations and further enhance its international footprint.

Greenway highlighted that all routes within a five-hour flight range of Saudi Arabia are currently under evaluation. This range includes key markets in the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia, which present significant growth opportunities for the low-cost carrier. “We’re looking at routes that align with our growth strategy, but the focus is on building a strong network rather than just adding pins to a map,” Greenway added.

Depth Over Breadth in International Expansion

While expanding internationally, Flyadeal is taking a measured approach, focusing on building depth in its network rather than simply maximizing the number of destinations it serves. The airline will prioritize establishing stronger connections in regions with high demand for affordable air travel, particularly within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and neighboring countries.

Greenway acknowledged the challenges of entering European markets, citing high taxes and regulations as significant barriers. “Europe is on the list, but not top of the list,” he said, reaffirming Flyadeal’s commitment to focusing its growth efforts on more accessible markets in the GCC and nearby regions.

As Flyadeal continues to grow its fleet and reconfigure its network, the airline is set to become an even more significant player in the regional aviation market, offering increased connectivity for both domestic and international travelers.

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Tags: A320, A321, airbus a330, Boeing 787, domestic routes, fleet growth, Flyadeal, International Expansion, low-cost carrier, network strategy, Routes World 2024, Saudi Arabian Airline, Steven Greenway