SaudiGulf Airlines, 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 in 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 (see map above), in the first quarter of 2015 followed by Riyadh and Jeddah.

Previously Bombardier Aerospace had announced the 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 Saudi Abdel Hadi Abdullah Al-Qahtani & Sons Group of Companies (Tariq Al-Qahtani & Bros.).

However the CS300 has been delayed.

Map Image: Abdul Hadi Al Qahtani Group of Companies.