SAUDI ARABIA: Saudi Arabia’s Flynas Seeking From Boeing, Airbus100 Jets

Saudi Arabia’s low-cost carrier Flynas is talking to Airbus Group SE, Boeing Co. and Bombardier Inc. about a potential order for 100 new aircraft, after the carrier posted a profit in 2015 for the first time in its history.

The airline is considering 60 new planes in the next five years with an option for 40 more, Flynas Chief Executive Paul Byrne said in an interview in Bahrain. It’s considering the Airbus A320 Neos, Boeing 737 Maxs and Bombardier CS300 aircraft and expects to decide on the order this year.

Saudi Arabia, with a population of 30 million people, is removing restrictions in its travel market. It’s in the process of licensing two new operators, Saudi Gulf Air and Al Maha Airways, which is owned by Qatar Airways. The two new operators have experienced delays in obtaining their permits. Flynas currently has an all-Airbus fleet of 26 jets.

“We’re talking to Airbus, Boeing and Bombardier about purchasing or leasing depending on which is the best deal for us,” Byrne said. “If we were to change from Airbus to Boeing or Bombardier, that will be a big move for us but its not as dramatic as it sounds.”