Saudi Arabian Airlines has placed a firm order for four additional A330-300 aircraft with Airbus, in addition to the eight ordered in July 2008, taking the total order for the type to 12.

Saudi Arabia’s national airline was earlier this year nominated as the Middle East’s Leading Airline by the prestigious World Travel Awards.

Saudi Arabian Airlines placed its first order with Airbus in over 30 years in 2007 for 22 A320 Family aircraft and later placed an order for eight A330s.

In 2009, Saudia upsized by converting 15 of the A320 orders into the larger A321.

Airbus has so far delivered 17 aircraft (five A320s, four A321s and all eight A330s) from the order for 30 before today.

“We are reaping the benefits of operational efficiency and productivity with our new fleet of A330s, and our passengers love it too,” said his excellency engineer Khalid Al Molhem, director general of SAA.

“The A330 is an important pillar upon which we are building our ambitious expansion plans by simultaneously meeting rising passenger demand and expectations.”

Including leased aircraft, and today’s four A330, in the years to come, Saudia’s Airbus fleet will grow to 62 aircraft.

“We embarked with Saudi Arabian Airlines on their ambitious fleet renewal plans three years ago, and we are delighted with the result,” said John Leahy, chief operating officer, customers.

“This follow on order from one of the Middle East’s longest established airlines is a fantastic endorsement of our products.”