Saudi Arabia’s national carrier Saudia has taken delivery of its first Airbus A321XLR aircraft, becoming the first airline in the Middle East and Africa region to operate the European planemaker’s new extra-long-range single-aisle jet, Airbus said in a press release issued Monday.

The aircraft, powered by CFM International LEAP-1A engines, is the first of 15 A321XLRs ordered by Saudia as part of a broader fleet modernisation drive aimed at expanding the airline’s international reach and supporting Saudi Arabia’s tourism ambitions under Vision 2030.

Airbus said the delivery marked another milestone in its more than four-decade relationship with Saudia, which began with the delivery of the carrier’s first Airbus A300 aircraft in 1984. The manufacturer said Airbus aircraft continue to play a central role in Saudia’s fleet expansion plans as the airline seeks to strengthen global connectivity.

Saudia currently operates flights to more than 100 destinations across four continents and plans to use the A321XLR to open additional international routes. Airbus said the aircraft’s range of up to 4,700 nautical miles allows airlines to serve long-haul destinations traditionally operated by larger wide-body aircraft while maintaining operational efficiency.

Configured in a low-density, premium layout, Saudia’s A321XLR includes 24 lie-flat Business Class seats with direct aisle access and 120 Economy Class seats. The aircraft also features Airbus’ Airspace Cabin design, including larger overhead storage compartments, upgraded lighting systems, and reduced cabin noise intended to improve passenger comfort on longer journeys.

The A321XLR is the latest member of Airbus’ A320neo family and has been developed to address airline demand for greater range and flexibility in narrow-body operations. According to Airbus, the aircraft offers a 30 percent reduction in fuel burn per seat compared with previous-generation aircraft, potentially lowering operating costs as well as carbon emissions and noise levels.

Airbus added that all of its aircraft are currently capable of operating with up to 50 percent sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), with plans to achieve 100 percent SAF capability by 2030 as part of wider industry sustainability targets.

The delivery comes as Saudi Arabia accelerates efforts to expand its aviation and tourism sectors, with the kingdom aiming to attract well over 150 million visitors annually by the end of the decade. Industry analysts say the addition of longer-range single-aisle aircraft could allow airlines such as Saudia to increase point-to-point connectivity and test new international markets with lower operating risk than widebody deployments.

To date, Airbus said the A320 family has recorded more than 19,900 orders from over 300 customers globally, reinforcing its position as one of the aviation industry’s best-selling commercial aircraft programmes.