Riyadh: Saudi Arabia’s national carrier Saudia will receive 12 new aircraft throughout 2026 as the airline continues expanding its fleet to support international growth, tourism demand and network connectivity.

The airline said the new deliveries form part of a wider long-term transformation strategy focused on increasing operational capacity, improving efficiency and adding more international destinations.

The announcement comes as Saudi Arabia ramps up investment in aviation and tourism under Vision 2030, a national strategy aimed at diversifying the Kingdom’s economy away from oil and positioning the country as a global tourism and transport hub.

Saudia said the expansion will help modernise its fleet while strengthening connectivity between Saudi Arabia and global markets.

The airline recently introduced its first Airbus A321XLR aircraft and said the addition of the Airbus A321neo will further expand its narrow-body fleet capabilities.

According to the airline, the A321neo aircraft will feature 20 Business Class seats and 168 Guest Class seats. The cabins will also include upgraded seating and high-speed inflight connectivity.

Airlines across the Gulf region have been investing heavily in next-generation aircraft as competition intensifies for long-haul transit traffic, tourism flows and premium passengers. Fleet modernisation has also become a key focus area as carriers seek better fuel efficiency and lower operating costs.

Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, said the airline’s fleet strategy is aimed at building “capacity, efficiency, and readiness” for its next phase of growth.

“In a highly competitive aviation sector, modernising and growing the fleet must be guided by clear market insight, network requirements, and alignment with national priorities under Saudi Vision 2030,” he said.

Al-Omar added that operational readiness and workforce development are being expanded alongside the fleet growth.

He said Saudia has graduated new groups of pilots, cabin crew and maintenance specialists through aviation training programmes to support incoming aircraft deliveries.

“With Saudia’s fleet expected to reach 161 aircraft by the end of the year, additional cohorts are currently undergoing training to support future deliveries,” he said.

Saudi Arabia has been aggressively expanding its aviation sector over the past few years, with the Kingdom targeting millions of additional tourists annually through large-scale tourism, entertainment and infrastructure projects.

The aviation push has also intensified regional competition among Gulf carriers as airlines across Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar expand fleets, routes and airport infrastructure to capture growing global travel demand.

Credits: Riyadh

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Three people are dead after a light plane crashed at an airport in regional New South Wales, Australia, and burst into flames.

The crash happened in Shellharbour in the Illawarra region on Saturday about 10am.

Police have confirmed three people are dead.

Images from the scene show the destroyed aircraft in the middle of the runway, with police and firefighters surveying the scene.

Only the blue and white tail is visible, as the fuselage has been totally burnt.

There are multiple emergency services vehicles on the tarmac and a fire and rescue command bus at an entrance to the runway.

Flight data shows a privately owned, six-seat, single-engine Piper Cherokee Lance aircraft began to depart Shellharbour at 10am.

Flight tracking shows the plane veered to the left and crashed as it began to take off from the westward runway.

Aerial footage shows blackened tarmac consistent with the publicly available flight path data.

The flight data also shows the plane was destined for Bathurst, about 170km away, where the V8 Supercars are racing this weekend.

“Emergency services are currently on scene at a fatal aircraft crash in the state’s Lake Illawarra area,” a police spokesperson said.

“Officers from Lake Illawarra Police District have been informed that a light aircraft crashed at the scene shortly after takeoff.”

“Upon impacting with the ground, the aircraft caught on fire, which was extinguished by Fire and Rescue NSW.

“Three people are confirmed deceased. There are no reports of any other people being injured.”

A crime scene has been set up and the Australian Transport Safety Bureau has been notified.

“Further information will be supplied once it becomes available,” the police spokesperson said.

The Lake Illawarra Police District chief inspector is scheduled to provide more information this afternoon.

Local state MP Katelin McInerney labelled the news “devastating”.

“My thoughts are with the family and friends of those involved in the crash, as well as the dedicated first responders.”

Credits: Australia

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