Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has cleared all regulatory requirements for the operation of the first Airbus A321XLR in the Middle East and Africa, with the aircraft now officially entering commercial service within the Kingdom.
The move is part of GACA’s ongoing efforts to support the growth of Saudi Arabia’s civil aviation sector. It aims to facilitate the introduction of the latest aircraft models, improve air connectivity and operational efficiency, and advance the objectives of the Aviation Program under the National Transport and Logistics Strategy.
The aircraft is the first of its type to enter operational service in the Middle East and Africa. It is also among the newest long-range single-aisle aircraft, capable of operating direct flights over longer distances, with a range of up to 8,700 kilometers (4,700 nautical miles).
Furthermore, it offers up to 30 percent lower fuel consumption and up to 50 percent lower noise levels compared with other models, enabling the launch of new destinations with greater efficiency and strengthening the Kingdom’s air connectivity with international markets.
The operation of the aircraft reflects GACA’s efforts to promote a safe and sustainable aviation ecosystem and enable airlines to benefit from the latest technologies and operational solutions. It also contributes to enhancing sector efficiency and boosting competitiveness, reflecting the Kingdom’s commitment to advancing aviation development under Saudi Vision 2030.
Recently, GACA announced the completion of preparations across the Kingdom’s airports for the departure phase of the 1447 AH Hajj season. The Authority stated that more than 9.52 million passengers were processed through Saudi Arabia’s air entry points during the arrival phase of Hajj operations, including 1,485,729 pilgrims.
