Saudi Arabian Airlines is to acquire 15 new Embraer 170 aircraft. H.E. Dr. Khaled A. Ben-Bakr, Director General Saudi Arabian Airlines stated that the signing of the contract for the acquisition of these 15 new aircraft is the crowning point of a period of achievement that the airline has gone through during the past few years, in spite of the unusual circumstances experienced by the aviation industry and the increased competition among international airlines.
Saudi Arabian Airlines reported a record number of passengers carried, fifteen million, in 2004 and as a result the airline made a profit for the third consecutive year.

The new Embraer 170 is a technically advanced aircraft with a maximum range of 3700 kilometers. It features a wide isle and an high ceiling. The Saudi Arabian Airlines configuration for this type of aircraft includes 66 seats, 6 first class seats and 60 guest class seats. The new aircraft is intended for operation on domestic and regional routes.

The purchase of the new Embraer 170s includes a maintenance center, in which maintenance work on all aircraft manufactured by Embraer can be performed. Embraer is also providing a flight simulator which will be installed at the Prince Sultan Aviation Academy in addition to all necessary support equipment to be used in training and the maintenance of the new aircraft.
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