Saudia has received its first A321XLR aircraft from European manufacturer Airbus. The aircraft arrived at King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah (JED), on May 24, 2026, after completing the delivery flight from Toulouse.
This aircraft, with registration HZ-ASBA, is the first of 15 aircraft that the Saudi flag carrier ordered from Airbus in 2019, as part of a larger order for 30 A321neo aircraft.
They will be operated by Saudia in a two-class configuration with a total of 144 seats, 24 in Business and 120 in Economy Class.
The business class cabin is fitted with Thomson VantageSOLO hardshell full lie-flat seats in a 1-1 layout. The seats in the first row offer some extra space.
The Saudi carrier is planning to fly its A321XLRs primarily to destinations in Europe from both Jeddah (JED) and Riyadh (RUH) during the first months of operations, starting with Madrid-Barajas (MAD) on June 3, 2026, before adding other airports such as Geneva (GVA), Vienna (VIE), Paris (CDG) and Barcelona (BCN). Male (MLE) in the Maldives is also in the flight program, as are domestic flights between Jeddah and Riyadh (RUH).
Additional destinations in Africa and South Asia are also likely to be served by A321XLRs as more aircraft arrive.
The remaining 14 A321XLRs are expected to be delivered through until 2027.
Saudia operates another twelve regular A321neo aircraft, with a further 62 awaiting delivery.