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Bombardier Aerospace announced Jan. 16 that Dammam-based Al Qahtani Aviation Company has signed a firm purchase agreement for 16 CS300 aircraft with options for an additional 10 CS300 jetliners. The aircraft will be operated by SaudiGulf Airlines, a newly launched national carrier from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Al Qahtani Aviation Company and SaudiGulf Airlines are both owned by Abdel Hadi Abdullah Al-Qahtani & Sons Group of Companies (Tariq Al-Qahtani & Bros.).
Based on the list price of the aircraft, the firm order for the 16 CS300 aircraft is valued at approximately US$1.21 billion. Should all 10 options be exercised, the value of the contract would increase to US$1.99 billion.
“This is an exciting time for the aviation industry in the Arab states and neighbouring regions, particularly when you consider that more than 54 million passengers moved through Saudi Arabia’s 27 airports last year alone,” said Sheikh Tariq Al Qahtani, chairman, SaudiGulf Airlines. “We are very excited about the CSeries aircraft’s suitability for this market and the long-term success it will bring to the region.
“With its clean-sheet design, modern technologies and competitive costs, the CSeries aircraft will give us the opportunity to introduce a new, quality, premium airline and an economically sustainable business model in Saudi Arabia, serving the domestic market, the Gulf and Middle East. SaudiGulf’s CSeries aircraft will offer wide and comfortable, leather seats, and in-flight entertainment in first-class, as well as economy-class seats,” added Tariq.
“We have long been noting that the CSeries aircraft is attracting progressive airlines that are keen on opening new markets and operations,” said Mike Arcamone, president, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “We are thrilled that SaudiGulf Airlines, based in the largest Arab economy – and one with an underserved air travel market – will base the core of its business plan on the CSeries aircraft.
“In addition to supporting SaudiGulf Airlines in the region, the CS300 aircraft will allow for growth into new markets such as the Indian subcontinent and parts of Europe, as the airline seeks to expand its network and give passengers the latest in cabin comfort,” added Arcamone.
