Air Arabia, the Sharjah-based low-cost carrier, is facing delays in the delivery of its 120 aircraft order directly from Airbus, prompting the airline to turn to lessors to continue its fleet growth. CEO Adel Abdullah Ali revealed to Gulf News that the first deliveries, originally scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2024, have now been pushed back to the first half of 2025.
In order to maintain its growth trajectory, Air Arabia has been leasing additional aircraft. Last year, the airline added around ten leased planes to its fleet, with plans to acquire eight more this year. By the end of 2024, the carrier expects to have over 90 aircraft in operation, in line with its target. The remaining 120 aircraft from Airbus are set to be delivered in phases over the course of five years starting in 2025.
Currently, Air Arabia operates a fleet of thirty-six A320-200s, three A321-200s, and six A321-200NX(LR)s. Its subsidiaries, including Air Arabia Abu Dhabi, Air Arabia Egypt, Air Arabia Maroc, and Fly Jinnah, collectively operate an additional 75 aircraft. The group recently added four second-hand A320s to its fleet in 2024, with plans to introduce leased A320-200Ns later this year.
With a firm order for seventy-three A320-200Ns, twenty-seven A321-200NXs, and twenty A321-200NY(XLR)s directly from Airbus, Air Arabia is poised for significant fleet expansion in the coming years. However, Ali indicated that the airline is not currently considering any new orders, as its focus remains on integrating the incoming aircraft and navigating current supply chain challenges and geopolitical uncertainties.
Despite the delays in aircraft deliveries, Ali expressed confidence in Air Arabia’s narrowbody-only business model, emphasizing that the airline has no plans to venture into the widebody sector. With the extended range capabilities of the A321-200NY(XLR)s, Air Arabia believes it can effectively serve its market without the need for widebody aircraft.
As the airline continues to navigate the evolving aviation landscape, Ali remains optimistic about the future growth potential of Air Arabia. While external factors may impact the timing of fleet expansion, the airline is committed to adapting to market conditions and seizing opportunities for strategic growth in the years ahead.