Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
Saudia Negotiates Historic 150+ Jet Order with Boeing and Airbus
Saudia is in talks to order over 150 aircraft from Boeing and Airbus to modernize its fleet and support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 aviation goals.
This article summarizes reporting by Reuters, Bloomberg News, and publicly available elements and industry context.
Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) is reportedly in the early stages of negotiating the largest aircraft order in its 80-year history. According to reporting by Bloomberg News and Reuters, the state-owned carrier is in discussions with aerospace giants Boeing and Airbus to acquire at least 150 narrowbody and widebody aircraft. This potential acquisition marks a significant escalation in the Kingdom’s aviation strategy under Vision 2030.
If finalized, this deal would surpass Saudia’s substantial fleet investments made in 2023 and 2024, further cementing the airline’s role in Saudi Arabia’s aggressive tourism and connectivity goals. The negotiations reportedly involve a mix of aircraft types designed to replace aging models and drastically expand capacity to meet government targets of 330 million annual passengers by the end of the decade.
Industry reports indicate that the airline is looking to secure a minimum of 150 jets, though specific models and the final split between manufacturers remain under discussion. The order is expected to address two primary operational needs: replacing older, less efficient airframes and facilitating rapid network expansion.
According to the reports, Saudia is evaluating both single-aisle (narrowbody) jets for domestic and regional routes, and twin-aisle (widebody) jets for long-haul international service. Likely candidates for retirement include the carrier’s older Airbus A320ceo models and Boeing 777-200ERs, which lack the fuel efficiency of modern alternatives like the A320neo family or the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
This move follows a pattern of aggressive fleet renewal. In 2023, Saudia placed a significant order for 39 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, followed by a 2024 agreement for 105 Airbus A320neo family aircraft. The scale of this new potential order, exceeding 150 units, suggests a shift from incremental updates to a massive capacity surge.
Negotiations are reportedly ongoing with both Boeing and Airbus. Industry analysts suggest the order could be split between the two or awarded based on critical factors such as delivery slot availability and pricing.
“Saudia is positioning itself to secure not just the best price, but crucially, the earliest possible delivery slots.” Airbus currently dominates the narrowbody market but faces production backlogs stretching into the 2030s. Conversely, Boeing, while recovering from production and certification delays involving the 737 MAX and 777X, may have more incentive to offer aggressive pricing to stabilize its order book. The driving force behind this massive capital expenditure is Saudi Arabia’s “Vision 2030” initiative, which aims to transform the Kingdom into a global aviation hub and a premier tourism destination. The government has set a target of attracting 150 million tourists annually by 2030.
Saudi Arabia is pursuing a unique “dual-hub” aviation strategy. While the newly launched, Public Investment Fund-backed carrier Riyadh Air focuses on premium international business and leisure traffic from the capital, Saudia is repositioning its operations in Jeddah.
Saudia’s primary mandate under this strategy involves:
By negotiating for 150+ aircraft simultaneously, Saudia is exercising immense leverage in a supply-constrained market. We believe this strategy is less about brand loyalty and more about securing the “queue jumping” privileges necessary to meet 2030 deadlines. With Airbus production lines heavily booked, Saudia may be forced to lean on Boeing for widebody capacity if they require delivery before 2029, despite Boeing’s recent certification challenges.
Furthermore, this order highlights the distinct separation of roles between Saudia and Riyadh Air. Rather than shrinking in the shadow of the new national carrier, Saudia is aggressively defending its market share in the religious and regional sectors, ensuring that the “old guard” remains a central pillar of the Kingdom’s infrastructure.
What is the estimated value of the deal? When will the order be finalized? How does this affect Riyadh Air? Sources: Reuters/Bloomberg
Saudia Negotiates Historic 150+ Jet Order with Boeing and Airbus
Details of the Potential Order
Fleet Modernization and Expansion
Manufacturer Competition
, Industry Analysis via Research Report
Strategic Context: Vision 2030
The Dual-Hub Strategy
AirPro News Analysis
The Leverage of Scale
Frequently Asked Questions
While financial terms are private, a mixed order of 150 narrowbody and widebody jets could be valued between $15 billion and $25 billion at list prices, though airlines typically negotiate significant discounts of 40% to 50%.
Talks are currently described as preliminary. No final decision on specific models or quantities has been announced, and the timeline for a signed agreement remains open.
This order is specific to Saudia (based in Jeddah). Riyadh Air is a separate entity with its own fleet strategy, though both airlines are owned by the Saudi government and coordinate to cover different market segments.
Photo Credit: Saudia Airlines
Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
Harbor Diversified Sells Air Wisconsin Assets for $113.2 Million
Harbor Diversified completes $113.2M sale of Air Wisconsin and 25 CRJ-200 jets to CSI Aviation and ASL after losing American Airlines contract.
This article summarizes reporting by The Post-Crescent and public filings from Harbor Diversified, Inc.
Harbor Diversified, Inc. has completed the sale of its regional airline subsidiary, Air Wisconsin Airlines LLC, and a fleet of 25 Bombardier CRJ-200 aircraft. According to reporting by The Post-Crescent and recent Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings, the transaction is valued at approximately $113.2 million and effectively marks Harbor Diversified’s exit from the airline operating business.
The deal, finalized on January 9, 2026, splits the Airlines assets between two distinct buyers: Albuquerque-based CSI Aviation, Inc. and the Associated Lease and Finance Group, LLC (ASL). This restructuring follows a challenging year for the Appleton-based carrier, which faced significant financial headwinds after losing its long-standing capacity purchase agreement (CPA) with American Airlines in early 2025.
The acquisition involves a strategic division of Air Wisconsin’s operational capabilities and physical assets. According to regulatory filings reviewed by AirPro News, the aggregate purchase price of roughly $113.2 million covers both the operating certificate and the owned aircraft fleet.
CSI Aviation, Inc. has acquired 100% of the membership interests in Air Wisconsin Airlines LLC. This purchase grants CSI ownership of the airline’s Part 121 air carrier operating certificate, a critical asset that allows for scheduled commercial airline operations. In addition to the certificate, CSI acquired 13 of the carrier’s CRJ-200 regional jets.
CSI Aviation is a diversified aviation services company known for medical flight services, air charter, and government contracting. Industry observers note that acquiring an established Part 121 certificate allows the company to significantly expand its operational scope.
The second buyer, Associated Lease and Finance Group, LLC (ASL), purchased the remaining 12 CRJ-200 aircraft. ASL specializes in aviation leasing and finance. It is common for firms in this sector to acquire aging regional jets either to lease them to other operators or to dismantle them for engines and components, which remain in high demand for maintaining other CRJ-200 fleets globally.
The sale concludes a period of uncertainty for Air Wisconsin. For years, the airline operated exclusively as “American Eagle,” feeding traffic into American Airlines’ major hubs, particularly Chicago O’Hare. However, that relationship ended in April 2025, stripping the regional carrier of its primary revenue source. Following the contract termination, Air Wisconsin attempted to pivot toward independent charter operations and Essential Air Service (EAS) routes. The Post-Crescent notes that the airline briefly secured an EAS contract for Parkersburg, West Virginia, in August 2025 but withdrew before service began due to the impending restructuring.
The restructuring has had a tangible impact on the airline’s workforce in Wisconsin. In late 2025, the company issued WARN notices affecting approximately 252 employees, including pilots, mechanics, and support staff at its bases in Appleton and Milwaukee.
“This sale marks the exit of Harbor Diversified from the airline operating business.”
, Research Report on Harbor Diversified SEC Filings
The split-sale of Air Wisconsin highlights a growing trend in the regional aviation sector: the decoupling of operating certificates from aging fleets. While the CRJ-200 is widely considered obsolete for major network carriers due to high fuel costs and passenger preference for larger dual-class regional jets, the underlying Part 121 operating certificate remains a high-value asset.
For CSI Aviation, purchasing the certificate avoids the years-long, capital-intensive process of obtaining new FAA certification from scratch. This move suggests CSI intends to scale its government and charter operations rapidly, leveraging the regulatory framework Air Wisconsin maintained for decades.
Who owns Air Wisconsin now? What happened to the American Airlines contract? Will Air Wisconsin continue to fly?
Air Wisconsin Assets Sold to CSI Aviation and ASL for $113.2 Million
Transaction Details and Asset Split
CSI Aviation Acquires Operations
ASL Takes Remaining Fleet
Context: A Turbulent Transition
Workforce Impact
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
CSI Aviation, Inc. now owns the Air Wisconsin Airlines LLC operating certificate and brand, along with 13 aircraft. The remaining 12 aircraft were sold to Associated Lease and Finance Group (ASL).
The capacity purchase agreement (CPA) with American Airlines ended in April 2025. This contract was the airline’s primary source of revenue, leading to the search for a buyer.
Under CSI Aviation ownership, the entity holds a valid operating certificate. However, its mission will likely shift from scheduled commercial regional service (like American Eagle) to charter, government, or specialized contract flying.Sources
Photo Credit: Air Wisconsin
Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
Airbus and Thai Airways Extend Maintenance Support for A321neo Fleet
Airbus and Thai Airways extend Flight Hour Services agreement to cover 32 A321neo aircraft, supporting fleet modernization and operational reliability.
This article is based on an official press release from Airbus.
Thai Airways International (THAI) has taken a significant step in securing the operational reliability of its modernized fleet. On February 4, 2026, Airbus and THAI announced the extension of their Flight Hour Services (FHS) component support agreement. The new contract is designed to cover the airline’s incoming fleet of 32 Airbus A321neo Commercial-Aircraft, ensuring long-term maintenance stability as the carrier continues its post-rehabilitation growth strategy.
According to the official announcement made in Singapore, this agreement builds upon a partnership that began in 2012. The deal focuses on maximizing fleet availability through integrated material services, including on-site stock management, access to Airbus’s global pool of spare parts, and component repair services.
The extended agreement provides a “Power-by-the-Hour” maintenance solution, a model that allows Airlines to pay a fixed rate per flight hour to better predict operational costs. Under the terms of the Contracts, Airbus will manage component support primarily from THAI’s main base in Bangkok. This localization is intended to streamline logistics and reduce turnaround times for critical parts.
In addition to physical component management, the agreement includes engineering support. Airbus will provide dedicated FHS regional representatives to assist THAI’s engineering teams with daily maintenance activities, leveraging OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturer) data to predict failures and optimize technical dispatch reliability.
“Extending our FHS agreement with THAI to support their A321neo fleet demonstrates the strength of our long-standing relationship and our commitment to supporting the airline’s fleet modernisation strategy. Through comprehensive component support and local engineering presence, we are helping THAI optimise operations as it introduces the next generation of single-aisle aircraft.”
, Anand Stanley, President Airbus Asia-Pacific
This agreement arrives at a critical juncture for Thai Airways. Following its exit from business rehabilitation, the airline has pursued an aggressive fleet renewal program to regain regional market share. The A321neo fleet serves as a replacement for older aircraft and the former Thai Smile A320 fleet, offering improved fuel efficiency and passenger amenities.
The relationship between the two entities regarding maintenance services dates back to 2012. At that time, THAI signed its first FHS agreement to cover a fleet of 20 A320ceo aircraft. The renewal and expansion of this contract to the newer A321neo variant signal the airline’s continued reliance on OEM-managed solutions to mitigate technical risks. From our perspective, the decision to extend the FHS agreement highlights a broader industry trend among legacy carriers emerging from restructuring: the prioritization of cost predictability. By locking in maintenance costs per flight hour, THAI transfers the financial risk of component failure and inventory holding costs back to Airbus.
Furthermore, for an airline reintegrating single-aisle operations into its mainline brand (following the absorption of Thai Smile), having direct access to the manufacturer’s global pool prevents the need for massive capital expenditure on a new spare parts inventory. This allows THAI to focus capital on route expansion and service improvements rather than warehousing static assets.
The agreement covers a total of 32 A321neo aircraft. According to data released alongside the announcement, the Delivery and entry-into-service timeline is already underway:
These aircraft feature a two-class configuration with lie-flat seats in Business Class, positioning THAI to compete aggressively on premium regional routes.
Airbus Flight Hour Services (FHS) is a comprehensive maintenance service where airlines pay a fixed hourly rate. It covers component supply, repair, and engineering support, guaranteeing parts availability and reducing the risk of unexpected maintenance costs.
The extension covers 32 Airbus A321neo aircraft that are currently being delivered to Thai Airways.
The first A321neo entered commercial service in January 2026.
Airbus and Thai Airways Extend FHS Support for New A321neo Fleet
Scope of the FHS Agreement
Strategic Context and Fleet Modernization
A History of Collaboration
AirPro News Analysis
Fleet Status and Timeline
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Airbus FHS?
How many aircraft are covered by this agreement?
When did the A321neo enter service for Thai Airways?
Sources
Photo Credit: Airbus
Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
AirBorneo Orders Eight ATR Aircraft to Modernize Rural Air Services Fleet
AirBorneo orders eight ATR turboprops to upgrade its fleet for Sarawak and Sabah Rural Air Services, with deliveries from 2027 to 2029.
AirBorneo, the East Malaysian carrier formerly known as MASwings, has officially placed a firm orders for eight ATR aircraft to modernize its fleet. Announced on February 3, 2026, at the Singapore Airshow, the deal underscores the airline’s commitment to maintaining vital connectivity across the Rural Air Services (RAS) network in Sarawak and Sabah.
According to reporting by Malay Mail, the acquisition is part of a broader strategy following the Sarawak state government’s takeover of the airlines from the Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG). The new turboprops are intended to replace the aging fleet inherited during the transition, ensuring reliable service for remote communities that depend on air travel for essential supplies and medical access.
The agreement, which was finalized in late 2025 but publicly unveiled at the 2026 airshow, includes a mix of aircraft sizes designed to optimize operations across Borneo’s diverse terrain. Industry reports indicate the order consists of five ATR 72-600s and three ATR 42-600s. Additionally, AirBorneo has secured purchase rights for four more aircraft.
Deliveries are scheduled to commence in 2027 and conclude by 2029. While the exact contract value remains undisclosed, Malay Mail notes that based on list prices, the deal is valued at approximately $196 million. This investment marks a significant step for the newly rebranded entity as it seeks to stabilize and improve the efficiency of its subsidized routes.
The selection of the ATR 42-600 specifically addresses the constraints of short runways found in the interior of Borneo. These aircraft possess Short Take-Off and Landing (STOL) capabilities required for airfields such as Ba’kelalan and Bario. Furthermore, the new fleet will be equipped to handle medical stretcher operations, a critical requirement for emergency evacuations from rural areas to major hospitals in cities like Kuching and Kota Kinabalu.
The transition from MASwings to AirBorneo represents the fulfillment of the Sarawak government’s long-standing ambition to control its air connectivity. The RAS network is a government-subsidized essential service that links interior towns with larger commercial hubs. These routes are often commercially unviable but are mandated for social and economic integration.
In a statement regarding the order, AirBorneo leadership emphasized the suitability of the turboprop platform for their specific operating environment.
“Our new ATR -600 fleet will significantly strengthen the Rural Air Services network by offering improved comfort, greater efficiency, and the operational capability required for regional connectivity in East Malaysia.”
, Megat Ardian, CEO of AirBorneo
The manufacturer, ATR, highlighted the operational flexibility provided by the mixed fleet. By operating both the 42 and 72 variants, AirBorneo can “right-size” capacity, deploying smaller aircraft on thinner routes with infrastructure limitations while using the larger ATR 72-600 for high-demand trunk routes.
The decision to split the order between the ATR 72 and the smaller ATR 42 is a pragmatic correction of previous fleet strategies. In the past, operators in the region often struggled with the economics of flying larger turboprops into airfields with limited passenger loads or runway restrictions. By reintroducing new-generation ATR 42s, AirBorneo is prioritizing operational reliability and runway accessibility over raw capacity.
Furthermore, the inclusion of purchase rights for four additional aircraft suggests ambitions beyond the subsidized RAS network. As the airline stabilizes its core mandate, these options could facilitate expansion into the BIMP-EAGA (Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area) region, allowing the Sarawak-owned carrier to cultivate international tourism and trade links independent of federal carriers.
Order Details and Fleet Composition
Delivery and Valuation
Operational Capabilities
Strategic Shift for Rural Air Services
AirPro News analysis
Sources
Photo Credit: Travel and Tour World
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