Boeing today announced that Saudia has signed an agreement with the manufacturer to utilize a host of services to boost 777 and 787 Dreamliner operations. The move will see the flag carrier of Saudi Arabia’s Boeing twinjet widebodies improve efficiency via digital analytics. The airline’s 777s will also have their cabins modified.

A whole host of Boeing solutions to be deployed

Now there is even more focus on Boeing’s long-haul twinjets. Announced at the Dubai Airshow, Saudia will use the US planemaker’s Optimised Maintenance Program (OMP), which offers robust data analytics. As a result, the airline will gather in-depth information to help it advance maintenance operations.

Boeing's Airplane Health Management (AHM) digital solution will also be deployed. This program provides predictive maintenance analytics and diagnostic appliances. Ultimately, it is a real-time decision support tool that helps operators make more effective data-driven maintenance choices.

Saudia Boeing 787
Saudia holds a mix of 777, 787, 747, A320, A321, and A330 aircraft across its passenger and cargo operations. Photo: Saudia

Maximizing results

Saudia’s leadership emphasized that the company is keen on improving operational efficiency, fleet usage, and aircraft deployment. The airline’s CEO, Captain Ibrahim S. Koshy, noted that Boeing’s services in these fields will help his firm reach its goals.

Boeing’s management took the opportunity to highlight that it has had a long-term relationship with Saudia. Thus, this agreement is the natural next step in the ongoing partnership.

There is also exciting news on the passenger-facing front. The SkyTeam member’s Boeing 777 interiors are set to be modified. Boeing’s interior modification team will look at several aspects, including design and certification.

"Our Boeing consulting teams have partnered closely with Saudia for many years to find new opportunities to reduce costs and enhance operational efficiency. We are delighted to continue this partnership by applying our advanced digital solutions," shared Ted Colbert, president and CEO, Boeing Global Services, in a company statement.

"Similarly, Saudia will be able to rely on our 777 interiors engineering expertise throughout the course of their fleet reconfiguration plans."

Saudia Boeing 777
Saudia alone wouldn't provide sufficient capacity to achieve the country's tourism goals. Photo: Vincenzo Pace | Simple Flying

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Saudia's Boeing widebody fleet

In total, Saudia holds 39 Boeing 777 aircraft in its fleet. The 777-300ER is the most popular model, with 35 units. It’s joined by four 777-200 Freighters to perform cargo operations.

Notably, the 777-300ER is the only current Saudia plane with a first class cabin. Combined, these units have an average of 6.6 years old.

When it comes to the 787 Dreamliner, Saudia holds 18 units of the twinjet. The carrier has 13 787-9s and five 787-10s within its facilities.

Both the 777 and 787 have been hailed for their fuel efficiency. However, every penny counts for an airline, especially in the current climate. So, by utilizing modern technology with those that are behind the aircraft, Saudia can make the most out of its fleet operations.

Widebody triumphs

It’s been a promising day for Boeing widebodies. Emirates ordered two new 777Fs for its fleet and DHL ordered nine converted Boeing 767s for its holdings. Meanwhile, Rolls-Royce signed an agreement to re-engine Silk Way West Airlines’ Boeing 747-400F aircraft.

What are your thoughts about Saudia enhancing its fleet operations with Boeing’s services? Do you feel that this is a good move for the airline? Let us know what you think of the overall initiative in the comment section.