Flynas, the Saudi LCC, says it is considering plans to increase its fleet more than 300% with orders for about 100 aircraft. CEO Paul Byrne said that it is considering the 737MAX and the Bombardier CSeries. Currently the airline uses A320s.
Byrne said there could be a decision on plans by the beginning of 2016 with RFP issued soon. The airline is focused on domestic routes after challenges from long-haul low-cost under a previous management team. A restructuring saw the return to profitability. “The only Saudi carrier who has made a profit,” said Byrne.
Flynas is focusing on sub-three hour segments said Byrne and is operating three main bases in Jeddah, Riyadh and recently, Dammam. It has increased destinations in the Gulf including Bahrain. “We would like to see more openings in Egypt for example,” said Byrne. “The business model works and there is a lot of optimism. We found what we are good at and we intend to continue doing so,” he said.
Fabio Gigante
Strange… Flynas is operating A320s, yet it is considering the 737MAX and the C Series. They are not satisfied with the A320s? The C Series is not a direct competitor to the 737MAX, except with the elusive MAX700.
Or maybe they are trying to put pressure on Airbus for better prices and/or delivery slots on A320s by talking about the 737MAX and C Series.
I am always doubtful about carriers who mention the C Series as a competitor to the A320 and B737. They are most of the time using the C Series as leverage. Things will be different, though, after the CS500, with 20-25 more passengers, has been launched.
I agree with you Bernard. Unless Flynas is already working on her new business models that would be based on this new trend, trend likely to generate additional revenue with … CS500 …
https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/analysis-norwegian-plan-shows-how-single-aisles-can-416465/
Everytime a company says they are considering the CSeries publicly is that they only want to get to best price for their future 737MAX or 320NEO.
They know that Boeing and Airbus would do anything to kill the CSeries.
sounds like a negotiation tactic. But remember, airlines, if there aren’t at least SOME orders going to the CSeries, that bargaining chip will go away along with the 50% rebates 😉
We have requested a comment/clarification from the airline’s CEO.
I don’t think discounts will go away. The list-prices are inflated by a few percent every January 1st, while cost of production is ever decreasing due to tough negotiations with suppliers and productivity initiatives at the wing and fuselage assemblies. Dominic Gates wrote an informative piece on the Renton plant back in April, see: http://www.seattletimes.com/business/boeing-aerospace/boeing-retools-renton-plant-for-737s-big-ramp-up/ The announced increases in production rates provide more opportunities for efficiency improvements. So the delta between list-prices and contract prices will continue to grow.