2026 TPG Awards: Best Innovation in Airline Loyalty

Kazakhstan Launches First Electric Air Taxi Service Between Alatau and Almaty Kazakhstan is poised to introduce its inaugural electric air taxi service, a landmark development in the country’s urban transportation landscape. The Almaty region will serve as the initial hub for this pioneering initiative, with planned routes connecting the emerging city of Alatau, Almaty, and surrounding regional settlements. Development and Operational Plans The project centers on the Joby Aviation S4, an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft developed by the U.S.-based company Joby Aviation. Designed to accommodate four passengers and a pilot, the S4 is nearing the final stages of certification by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and has already undergone extensive real-world testing. Demonstration flights in Kazakhstan are scheduled for 2026, with commercial operations expected to commence following regulatory approvals from both U.S. and Kazakh aviation authorities. Alatau Advance Air Group, a private operator established in March 2025, has been appointed to manage air mobility services in the Alatau region. The company is collaborating with international partners from the United States, South Korea, China, and Italy to advance aircraft research, infrastructure development, and the establishment of a comprehensive testing ecosystem. Joby Aviation remains a strategic partner in this endeavor. To facilitate the new service, a network of vertiports—specialized airfields designed for vertical take-off and landing aircraft—is planned across Alatau, Almaty, and other strategic locations. This infrastructure will support both short urban flights within the Almaty metropolitan area and longer intercity routes throughout the region. Challenges and Strategic Context Despite the promising outlook, the rollout of Kazakhstan’s first air taxi service faces several challenges. Regulatory frameworks must be adapted to integrate this novel technology with existing transportation systems while ensuring rigorous safety standards. Public acceptance also remains a critical factor, with anticipated concerns regarding noise pollution and safety as the service approaches launch. Market responses are expected to be varied, though growing interest in urban air mobility may encourage competitors to accelerate similar projects in the region. The air taxi concept was initially unveiled in October 2024 during a development forum in South Korea focused on the Alatau project. In November, a strategic agreement was signed in the United States involving Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Digital Development and AI, Joby Aero, Alatau Advance Air Group, and entrepreneur Vyacheslav Kim. This agreement outlined the purchase of eVTOL aircraft valued at approximately $300 million. The initiative is also associated with entrepreneur and former senator Yuri Tskhai, a significant investor in Alatau City. The introduction of air taxis coincides with Almaty’s plans to launch self-driving taxis by May 2026, in partnership with Yandex Kazakhstan. These efforts form part of a broader strategy to enhance urban mobility and alleviate congestion. While these advancements signal a transformative era for Kazakhstan’s transport sector, they also underscore the importance of addressing public concerns and navigating regulatory complexities as the country adopts next-generation mobility solutions. Flight pricing for the air taxi service will be announced following the completion of testing and preparations for commercial launch. The Almaty mayor’s office has described air taxis as an innovative transport solution that will provide rapid connections between Alatau, Almaty, and other cities in the region.

Boeing and Oman Air Renew Predictive Maintenance Partnership for 787 Fleet Boeing and Oman Air have announced the extension of their collaboration to deploy Boeing’s Airplane Health Management (AHM) system across Oman Air’s 787 Dreamliner fleet. The renewed agreement, unveiled at the Aviation Week MRO Middle East event in Dubai, reaffirms both companies’ dedication to utilizing advanced predictive maintenance technologies to improve operational efficiency and fleet reliability. Enhancing Operational Efficiency Through Predictive Maintenance Capt. Nasser Al Salmi, Chief Operating Officer of Oman Air, highlighted the strategic value of the partnership, stating that Boeing’s expertise enables the airline to make informed maintenance decisions with greater confidence. He noted that the continued use of the AHM platform enhances Oman Air’s ability to anticipate maintenance needs, optimize parts inventory, and streamline resource planning, thereby supporting smoother operations amid the airline’s ongoing growth. Boeing’s AHM system delivers real-time predictive maintenance alerts, allowing airlines to swiftly diagnose technical issues, reduce aircraft downtime, and improve overall fleet readiness. By leveraging analytics-driven insights, maintenance teams can be deployed more efficiently with the appropriate parts and equipment, facilitating quicker aircraft turnaround times. Crystal Remfert, Senior Director at Boeing Digital Services, emphasized the role of AHM in supporting Oman Air’s expanding flight operations and passenger capacity. She expressed confidence that the continued partnership would help the airline maintain on-time performance and streamline maintenance processes as it pursues further growth. Competitive Landscape and Industry Implications The extension of this agreement comes amid Boeing’s efforts to strengthen its position in the competitive predictive maintenance market, where rivals such as Airbus are making significant investments. While Boeing’s digital solutions have gained traction with carriers like Oman Air, the broader market remains highly contested. Airbus’s dominance in single-aisle aircraft sales positions it as a key competitor closely monitoring Boeing’s advancements in digital services and predictive maintenance. Industry response to Boeing’s renewed deal with Oman Air has been largely positive, reflecting confidence in the company’s digital capabilities. Nevertheless, Boeing continues to face operational challenges, including the delivery of higher maximum weight 787 models and the ongoing impact of Pratt & Whitney’s engine recall, which has affected multiple stakeholders across the aviation sector. As airlines worldwide increasingly prioritize fleet optimization and disruption minimization, predictive maintenance technologies such as Boeing’s AHM are becoming integral to operational strategies. The sustained partnership between Boeing and Oman Air underscores the growing importance of data-driven maintenance solutions in supporting airline reliability and growth within a rapidly evolving aviation environment.

Singapore Airshow Highlights Airlines’ Struggle Amid Aircraft Supply Shortage Asia-Pacific Aviation Growth Meets Supply Chain Challenges As the biennial Singapore Airshow convenes this week, the commercial aviation sector is grappling with a critical supply shortage amid rapid growth in the Asia-Pacific region. Industry leaders and analysts attending the event have underscored the persistent bottlenecks affecting major manufacturers Boeing and Airbus, which are struggling to meet the surging demand from regional airlines eager to expand their fleets. The Asia-Pacific market, propelled by robust growth in China and India, remains the fastest-growing region globally for air travel. Passenger traffic is expected to increase by 7.3 percent in 2026, according to Reuters. Data from the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) reveals that regional carriers transported 390.5 million international passengers last year, representing a 9.4 percent rise compared to 2024. Despite this strong demand, aircraft manufacturers and engine suppliers are finding it difficult to keep pace with airlines’ expansion plans due to ongoing supply chain disruptions. Industry Response and Market Dynamics Subhas Menon, Director General of the AAPA, highlighted the urgent need for additional suppliers in a market long dominated by Boeing and Airbus. He described the current situation as a “supply chain crisis,” noting that while occasional disruptions are common, the severity of the present challenges is unprecedented. Although China’s state-owned Commercial Aircraft Corporation (Comac) has started to provide some relief, it has yet to significantly alleviate the pressure on the supply chain. Both Airbus and Boeing are under considerable strain as they attempt to increase production rates and make strategic decisions regarding future aircraft models. Boeing faces particular challenges in the narrowbody segment, where Airbus currently holds a dominant position in single-aisle jet sales. This intensifying competition is closely monitored by airlines, which are eager to see how manufacturers will address the supply constraints. Other manufacturers are adapting their strategies in response to the market conditions. Brazilian company Embraer is prioritizing sales of its E2 regional jets rather than launching new aircraft programs, aiming to meet current demand efficiently. Meanwhile, Textron Aviation has reported strong demand for business aircraft in Asia, reflecting a growing interest among airlines and private operators seeking alternatives amid the shortage of commercial aircraft. As the Singapore Airshow progresses, the industry’s focus remains on how manufacturers and airlines will navigate these unprecedented supply chain challenges. The decisions made in the coming months are expected to influence not only the aviation landscape in Asia but also the global competitive dynamics among aircraft producers.

MRO Middle East: Leveraging Predictive Data for Operational Efficiency Advancements in Predictive Maintenance Predictive maintenance has transitioned from a conceptual framework to practical application within the Middle East’s Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) sector, yielding significant operational and cost advantages. This progress, however, depends on clearly defined objectives, effective cross-functional collaboration, and a focus on measurable outcomes. These themes emerged during a recent MRO Middle East panel, where senior representatives from airlines, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), and MRO providers examined the growing influence of predictive data in enhancing operational efficiency. Richard Brown, managing director of NAVEO Consultancy, moderated the session, emphasizing both the strides made and the discipline required to extract genuine value from data-driven maintenance strategies. Matias Bjerregaard, predictive maintenance specialist at Scandinavian Airlines (SAS), recounted SAS’s initiation into predictive maintenance in 2022, following a thorough evaluation of market capabilities. Rather than pursuing isolated development, SAS engaged external partners and integrated its maintenance control centre (MCC) from the beginning. Bjerregaard stressed that organizational awareness is as vital as technical proficiency, noting, “Understanding the purpose behind implementing predictive maintenance is critical to overcoming scepticism and ensuring long-term success.” From the MRO perspective, Erkam Ozturk, digital solutions and predictive maintenance manager at Turkish Technic, highlighted the challenges of applying predictive maintenance across a rapidly expanding and diverse fleet. His primary objective is to minimize operational disruptions—particularly costly aircraft-on-ground (AOG) incidents—without increasing the workload of engineering teams. Turkish Technic is advancing proprietary predictive models while utilizing platforms such as Skywise, with a strong emphasis on validating outcomes in real operational contexts. Ozturk underscored the importance of early technician involvement and demonstrating workflow improvements to secure operational buy-in. OEM Insights and Regional Challenges Offering the OEM viewpoint, Darren Macer, principal senior technical fellow for maintenance strategy and vision at Boeing, cautioned that predictive maintenance is not a universal remedy. He argued that airlines must first define their specific goals—whether to reduce maintenance burdens, enhance reliability, or improve supply chain planning—before selecting appropriate tools or technologies. Macer noted that while health management concepts have existed for decades, recent advances in analytics and aircraft connectivity now enable far more precise, data-driven decision-making. He highlighted that new aircraft programs, such as the 777X, are generating richer datasets, which form the foundation for more accurate predictive maintenance. The panel also addressed significant challenges confronting the region. Rapid industry growth combined with pandemic-related workforce reductions has resulted in talent shortages, a concern emphasized by Lufthansa Technik Middle East CEO Ziad Al-Hazmi. In response, regional stakeholders are investing in talent development initiatives, including Joramco’s Structured On-the-Job Training program, to bridge these gaps and maintain operational efficiency. It is anticipated that competitors will adopt similar strategies, integrating workforce development with technological investments to sustain market share amid robust growth projections for the Middle East MRO sector over the coming decade. Demonstrating Value and Overcoming Barriers Throughout the discussion, panellists concurred that demonstrating tangible value—through cost reductions, fewer AOG events, improved material availability, and more resilient supply chains—is essential to overcoming scepticism and encouraging wider adoption of predictive maintenance. They agreed that the benefits extend beyond engineering, positively impacting planning, inventory management, and overall MRO performance. Nonetheless, ongoing challenges persist, including the need to validate the robustness of predictive models and to meet evolving regulatory requirements as the industry continues to advance.

Saudia Considers Major 150-Jet Order from Boeing and Airbus Saudia is reportedly contemplating a substantial aircraft acquisition, potentially ordering at least 150 jets from Boeing and Airbus. This prospective deal aims to support both the airline’s passenger and cargo operations, addressing the need to replace aging aircraft while facilitating future growth centered around Saudia’s Jeddah hub. The move aligns with broader strategic shifts in Saudi Arabia’s aviation landscape, as Riyadh Air is expected to concentrate its activities on the capital, positioning Jeddah as Saudia’s primary base for expansion. The discussions remain in preliminary stages, with no official confirmation from Saudia. Industry analysts, including Behramjee Ghadially, an expert in airline network and fleet planning with extensive experience in the Middle East, have provided forecasts that focus exclusively on Saudia’s fleet strategy. These projections suggest a carefully calibrated approach to fleet renewal and expansion. Boeing Fleet Strategy Saudia’s current cargo operations include four Boeing 777 freighters and four leased 747-400Fs, according to ch-aviation data. Ghadially anticipates that the airline could place an order for ten Boeing 777-8 freighters to replace the existing fleet and accommodate anticipated cargo growth. On the passenger side, Saudia’s widebody fleet is anchored by 37 Boeing 777-300ERs, with an average age of 11.4 years. The forecast envisions an order for 50 Boeing 777-9 aircraft to replace these older models, supplemented by an additional 13 units to support network expansion. Ghadially suggests that Saudia is unlikely to select the Airbus A350-1000, citing the 777-9’s superior takeoff performance in Saudi Arabia’s extreme summer temperatures as a decisive factor. The anticipated 777-9 deliveries are expected to feature three distinct cabin configurations: a high-density layout for lower-yield routes to South and Southeast Asia, a two-class arrangement, and a three-class version including first class, reflecting the diverse passenger demand across Saudia’s network. Saudia’s Dreamliner fleet currently comprises 13 Boeing 787-9s and eight 787-10s. The forecast includes an order for 30 additional Dreamliners—20 787-10s (including options from a previous order) and ten 787-9s. These aircraft would partially replace the airline’s 31 Airbus A330-300s while providing more fuel-efficient capacity to support future growth. Airbus Fleet Prospects Saudia’s Airbus fleet presently consists of 95 aircraft, including 37 A320ceos, 31 A330-300s, 15 A321ceos, and 12 A321neos. The airline also has 15 A321XLRs on order, configured with a high-premium layout. Ghadially projects an order for 60 additional Airbus jets, exclusively A321neos, comprising 40 standard models and 20 XLR variants. The expanded XLR fleet would enable Saudia to develop additional hub wave banks at Jeddah, particularly for European and African routes that do not justify larger widebody aircraft but could sustain increased frequencies with the A321XLR. Market Impact and Challenges Should Saudia proceed with this order, it would represent one of the largest fleet renewals in the region, with significant implications for both Boeing and Airbus, potentially boosting their market valuations. However, the airline may encounter challenges including fluctuating market demand, production delays, and intensified competition from other manufacturers such as Embraer, which may respond with their own strategic initiatives. At present, Saudia remains in early negotiations, and no formal announcement has been made. The aviation industry continues to monitor developments closely as the airline evaluates its options for this pivotal fleet expansion.

Luxembourg Airport Rises to 29th Among Europe’s Top Airports for 2026 Luxembourg Airport (IATA: LUX) has achieved a notable advancement, securing the 29th position in Travel and Tour World’s (TTW) ranking of Europe’s Top 50 Airports for 2026. This elevation reflects the airport’s significant progress as a regional aviation hub, driven by strong growth in passenger traffic, cargo operations, and technological innovation. The recognition positions Luxembourg Airport as an emerging force within the competitive European aviation sector. Passenger Growth and Regional Connectivity Situated strategically in the heart of Europe, Luxembourg Airport serves as a critical gateway not only for Luxembourg but also for neighboring countries including Belgium, France, and Germany. Handling over five million passengers annually, the airport offers connections to more than 120 destinations, encompassing major cities such as London, Paris, and Munich. Its dual-terminal configuration—Terminal A for commercial flights and Terminal B for regional services—facilitates efficient passenger flow and minimizes wait times. Modern infrastructure combined with expedited security processes caters effectively to both business travelers and leisure passengers, enhancing the overall travel experience. Looking forward, Luxembourg Airport is undertaking a major expansion project with the construction of a new 95,000-square-meter pier. This development is expected to increase annual passenger capacity by six million, aiming to establish new standards in quality, efficiency, and passenger comfort. Nevertheless, this ambitious growth occurs amid intensifying competition from major European airports like London Heathrow, which is implementing advanced security scanning technologies, as well as global leaders such as Singapore Changi Airport, which continue to attract key passenger markets. Cargo Operations: A Logistics Powerhouse In addition to its passenger services, Luxembourg Airport distinguishes itself as a premier air cargo hub. It is home to Cargolux, one of the world’s largest all-cargo airlines, and ranks among Europe’s leading airports in terms of air cargo tonnage. The airport’s state-of-the-art cargo facilities and frequent freight flights enable the efficient handling of a wide range of goods, from perishables to high-value electronics. Its strategic location at the crossroads of Europe’s transport networks, with direct access to major road and rail corridors, further consolidates its role as a vital logistics center for European commerce. Innovation and Market Dynamics Luxembourg Airport’s dedication to technological advancement is evident in its seamless connectivity and integration of multi-modal transport options. However, as the airport climbs the rankings, it faces emerging challenges. A recent report by the European Airports Body highlights the financial pressures confronting smaller airports, raising concerns about long-term investment and operational sustainability. Industry analysts are closely monitoring Luxembourg Airport’s financial health as it pursues expansion, while competitors may accelerate their own infrastructure enhancements to maintain or improve their market positions. Outlook The rise of Luxembourg Airport to 29th place among Europe’s top airports underscores its expanding influence in both passenger and cargo sectors. As it continues to invest in growth and innovation, LUX is setting new benchmarks for regional airports. Sustaining this momentum will require careful navigation of financial challenges and strategic responses to an increasingly competitive environment.

Airbus Reports Slowest Start to Deliveries in a Decade Airbus has experienced its slowest start to aircraft deliveries in ten years, highlighting persistent supply chain difficulties and raising concerns about its capacity to meet growing market demand. Data released on February 6, 2026, revealed that the European aerospace manufacturer delivered only 19 commercial aircraft in January, a significant decline from 25 deliveries in January 2025 and 30 in January 2024. This figure represents the lowest January delivery volume since at least 2019, when Airbus handed over 39 jets. Supply Chain Challenges and Delivery Impact The sluggish beginning to 2026 follows Airbus narrowly missing its revised delivery target for 2025. Initially, the company aimed to deliver approximately 820 aircraft but lowered its forecast to 790 in December 2025 after identifying a quality issue with A320-family fuselage panels supplied by a third party. By the end of the year, Airbus had delivered 793 commercial aircraft to 91 customers. January’s deliveries were distributed among 15 customers, including prominent carriers such as Lufthansa and United Airlines. However, ongoing supply chain disruptions—most notably shortages of aircraft engines—have resulted in numerous completed jets awaiting final components. Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury, speaking at the World Governments Summit in Dubai, described engines as the “trickiest parts to secure” throughout 2024 and 2025. He also suggested that the surge in aircraft demand could open opportunities for new entrants in the aerospace sector. Market Reactions and Competitive Landscape The delays in deliveries have attracted heightened scrutiny from investors and airline customers who rely on punctual aircraft handovers. Market sentiment has been affected by concerns over Airbus’s ability to resolve its supply chain bottlenecks, with potential repercussions for the company’s stock performance. Meanwhile, competitors such as Boeing may seek to leverage Airbus’s challenges by emphasizing their own production stability and delivery records. Industry analysts, including those at Leeham, note that while Airbus maintains a leadership position in single-aisle aircraft sales, Boeing is actively pursuing efforts to reclaim market share in the narrowbody segment. Despite the slow delivery pace, Airbus secured 49 new aircraft orders in January 2026. These included six A321neos for an undisclosed customer and two additional orders from another unnamed buyer. The company is scheduled to release its full-year 2025 financial results on February 19, 2026. As Airbus contends with ongoing supply chain obstacles and intensifying competition, the coming months will be pivotal in determining whether the manufacturer can accelerate deliveries and restore confidence among investors and airline customers alike.

Vista’s XO Employs AI to Digitize Private Jet Bookings A Dual-Brand Strategy in Private Aviation Over the past twenty years, Vista has established itself as a prominent player in the private aviation sector, distinguished by its commitment to consistent service and a dual-brand approach. The company operates through two complementary divisions: VistaJet and XO. VistaJet offers fixed-rate, three-year subscriptions that guarantee aircraft availability and a standardized onboard experience, catering primarily to clients who fly extensively—typically 50 hours or more annually. In contrast, XO Marketplace provides a more flexible alternative, featuring dynamic pricing and instant booking options for customers seeking private travel without long-term commitments. At the 2025 Dubai Airshow, Youssef Mouallem, Vista’s global head of XO, elaborated on the operational distinctions between the two brands while aboard a newly delivered Bombardier Global 7500. He emphasized that VistaJet’s model ensures guaranteed availability and a consistent cabin experience worldwide, whereas XO addresses the needs of travelers desiring greater flexibility. This dual approach allows Vista to serve a broad spectrum of private aviation customers, adapting to varying preferences and usage patterns. Leveraging Artificial Intelligence for Enhanced Booking Efficiency A defining feature of XO is its integration of artificial intelligence to digitize and streamline the private jet booking process. The platform aggregates offerings from over 2,000 third-party operators globally, supplementing VistaJet’s proprietary fleet. To maintain rigorous quality standards, XO employs a tiered approval system. According to Mouallem, all aircraft undergo comprehensive vetting by Vista, including safety inspections, insurance verification, and crew training assessments. The system categorizes operators into three tiers: Vista’s own fleet, a “Vista-approved” group exceeding the company’s standards, and a third tier comprising vetted partners. This AI-driven approach enables XO to offer customers rapid, transparent access to a wide range of private jet options, balancing flexibility with stringent quality controls. By harnessing advanced technology, Vista aims to redefine the private jet booking experience, meeting evolving customer expectations for speed and reliability. Navigating Industry Challenges Amid Technological Transformation Vista’s adoption of AI occurs against a backdrop of broader industry shifts and market uncertainties. Recent analyses, including reports from The Wall Street Journal, highlight investor concerns over an AI investment bubble that has led to significant declines in software and data stock valuations. Despite these challenges, the travel sector continues to demonstrate strong digital adoption. Phocuswright’s Travel Forward report projects global travel gross bookings to reach $1.67 trillion in 2025, underscoring the sector’s ongoing reliance on AI-enabled planning and booking tools. In this competitive and rapidly evolving environment, Vista’s investment in AI positions XO to maintain and potentially expand its market share. As digital technologies become increasingly central to travel planning, the company faces the dual task of capitalizing on innovation while managing the uncertainties inherent in technological disruption. Vista’s strategy reflects a careful balance between pioneering AI-driven transformation and upholding the rigorous quality standards that have long defined its brand.

Scandinavian Airlines CEO Highlights AI’s Role in Accelerating Disruption Response As the European aviation industry undergoes rapid technological transformation and consolidation, Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) is positioning itself for growth while awaiting regulatory approval for its planned integration with the Air France-KLM group. Speaking at the World Governments Summit in Dubai, SAS President and CEO Anko van der Werff detailed the airline’s strategic ambitions, the practical applications of artificial intelligence (AI), and the challenges posed by an evolving competitive landscape. Regulatory Approval and Strategic Implications SAS is currently navigating the regulatory process required to join the Air France-KLM group, a move that remains pending approval from European authorities. Van der Werff expressed frustration with the protracted timeline, stating, “We expect to get regulatory approval in the second half of the year. I’m always a bit impatient… it’s a slow process.” He emphasized that many of SAS’s strategic initiatives are on hold until the deal is finalized, highlighting the critical importance of regulatory clearance to unlock the benefits of a broader global network. Growth Prospects Within the Air France-KLM Group Despite concerns surrounding industry consolidation, van der Werff remains confident in the resilience and future growth of the SAS brand under its new parent company. He pointed to the distinctive geography of the Scandinavian network, particularly the strategic position of Copenhagen, as a natural catalyst for expansion. “The brand will absolutely survive this,” he affirmed. “There will be real, real growth potential.” Van der Werff anticipates that SAS will leverage capacity constraints at other group hubs to increase its presence and market share in the Nordic region. Artificial Intelligence as a Practical Tool for Operational Efficiency Beyond consolidation, SAS is placing significant emphasis on the transformative potential of artificial intelligence within its operations. Van der Werff underscored that AI is not merely a buzzword but a critical component of the airline’s strategy, identifying “five big bets” aimed at enhancing customer experience. One of the most promising applications lies in managing operational disruptions, a frequent challenge for a Nordic carrier contending with severe winter weather. Van der Werff described scenarios involving “100 cancellations a day” during snowstorms, resulting in widespread operational chaos. In such instances, AI can facilitate faster schedule reconstruction and resource reallocation, outperforming traditional human-led responses. “We believe that AI will work through those variables infinitely better,” he stated. Navigating a Competitive and AI-Driven Industry Landscape SAS’s AI initiatives come amid broader shifts in the aviation and technology sectors. The anticipated consolidation within the mid-market enterprise software industry, as noted in recent studies, is expected to intensify competition and compel airlines like SAS to adopt AI more effectively. Market volatility, reflected in plunging software stocks amid AI disruption, further underscores the unpredictable environment. Meanwhile, competitors such as Air France-KLM are pursuing strategic ambitions to establish themselves as “European global champions,” raising the stakes for SAS to maintain and strengthen its market position. The significance of AI extends beyond customer service to technical operations, particularly in the maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) sector, where predictive maintenance powered by AI is becoming increasingly vital. For SAS, investing in advanced AI technologies is essential not only for operational resilience but also for sustaining competitiveness in a rapidly evolving industry. As SAS awaits regulatory clarity, its leadership is placing considerable faith in the intelligent integration of AI across both customer-facing and technical domains as a cornerstone for success in the next phase of European aviation.

Saudia Considers Boeing and Airbus for Major Aircraft Order State-owned airline Saudia is engaged in preliminary discussions with Boeing and Airbus regarding what could become its largest aircraft acquisition to date, potentially involving an order of at least 150 jets. The Saudi flag carrier is evaluating both narrowbody and widebody aircraft from the American and European manufacturers as part of a broader strategy to modernize and expand its fleet. Intensified Competition Between Boeing and Airbus This prospective deal is expected to heighten competition between Boeing and Airbus, each seeking to secure a significant contract in a highly competitive market. For Boeing, winning the order would represent a crucial opportunity to regain ground in the narrowbody segment, where it has encountered recent difficulties. Airbus, on the other hand, is focused on managing its production capacity and making strategic decisions regarding future aircraft development to maintain its dominant position in the global aerospace market. The timing of Saudia’s potential order coincides with ongoing challenges faced by both manufacturers in 2026, including the need to increase production rates and resolve supply chain issues. The outcome of these negotiations could have far-reaching effects on market dynamics, influencing not only the rivalry between Boeing and Airbus but also shaping the strategic approaches of other carriers in the Middle East. Saudia’s Fleet Renewal and Saudi Arabia’s Aviation Ambitions Saudia’s fleet modernization follows a series of recent significant orders. In May 2024, the airline placed an order for 105 Airbus A320neo family aircraft. Earlier, in March 2023, it ordered 39 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, with options for an additional 10 jets. Founded in 1945 with a single DC-3, Saudia currently operates a fleet of 142 aircraft. The Saudi aviation sector is experiencing rapid growth, exemplified by the launch of Riyadh Air in October. This new state-owned carrier, supported by the Public Investment Fund, commenced daily flights to London Heathrow and has 182 aircraft on order. Riyadh Air has established partnerships with ten other airlines and aims to serve 100 international destinations by 2030, according to CEO Tony Douglas. These developments align with Saudi Arabia’s broader vision to attract 150 million visitors annually by 2030. In November, Fahd Hamidaddin, chief executive of the Saudi Tourism Authority, announced plans to establish three additional airlines to support this ambitious target. As Saudia deliberates between Boeing and Airbus, the final decision will not only determine the airline’s future trajectory but also influence the competitive landscape of the global aviation industry.