SaudiGulf, a new Saudi Arabian airline wholly owned by Abdul Hadi Al Qahtani Group of Companies has signed a firm contract with Airbus for four A320ceo, to be delivered early 2015. The aircraft is equipped with Airbus “Sharklet” fuel saving wing tip devices.

As one of the two airlines to obtain carrier licenses to operate domestic and international flights from Saudi airports, the airline will contribute to increase the Kingdom’s air transport links with the region and the rest of the world. SaudiGulf plans to launch its operations out of Dammam, in the first quarter of 2015 followed by Riyadh and Jeddah.

“It is an incredibly exciting time for us, as we work to launch SaudiGulf next year,” said Tariq Abdel Hadi Al Qahtani, Abdul Hadi Al Qahtani Group of Companies Chairman. “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 is a market leader and will contribute positioning SaudiGulf as a premium service airline as soon as it begins its operations,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. “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. We are thrilled to see a new airline starting its business today and we feel privileged to be part of this journey.”

Sharklets are newly designed wing-tip devices that cut the aircraft’s fuel burn and emissions by up to four per cent on longer sectors. They are made from light-weight composites and are 2.4 meters tall. With over 10,200 Airbus single aisle aircraft sold and 6,000 delivered today to 400 customers and operators, the A320 Family is the world’s best-selling and most modern single aisle aircraft family.

Airbus press release