Dubai: European aircraft manufacturer Airbus yesterday signed a firm sales contract with Riyadh-based National Air Services (NAS) for 20 single-aisle A320 aircraft at a cost of approximately $2 billion.
The order by NAS for its budget airline arm Nasair follows a purchase agreement five months ago at the International Paris Airshow. The agreement also includes 18 purchase rights.
Speaking at a press conference, Taher Agueel, president, NAS, said delivery of the aircraft will begin in 2012.
Nasair is the first budget carrier in Saudi Arabia and began services in February 2007. It now flies to 21 destinations in the kingdom and expects to fly international flights from early 2008. NAS was awarded the first commercial licence to fly domestic routes within Saudi Arabia in December 2006. |
