# Saudia Delivers First A321XLR With New Business Class Suites, Service Starts June 2026

_May 24 12:47_

Tags: JetBlue, Saudia, Africa, Europe, Indian Subcontinent, route network, airline, new route

Saudia has taken delivery of its first Airbus A321XLR featuring new VantageSOLO flat-bed business class suites. The aircraft, configured with 24 business and 120 economy seats, will enter service in early June 2026 on routes to Europe, Africa, and the Indian subcontinent

## Summary

Saudia has taken delivery of its first Airbus A321XLR (registration HZ-ASBA), marking the debut of its new premium narrow-body product. The aircraft features a configuration of 144 seats total: 24 VantageSOLO business class suites and 120 economy seats. The business class product offers fully flat beds with direct aisle access, comparable to JetBlue's Mint but with customized finishes. The airline plans to deploy these aircraft on routes across Europe (including Barcelona, Brussels, Milan, Rome), Africa (Dakar), and the Indian subcontinent (Maldives). Service is expected to begin in early June 2026, with initial routes already on sale

## Why it matters

Affects 3 airline programs (Etihad, JetBlue, Saudia).

## Sources cited

- [One Mile at a Time](https://onemileatatime.com/news/saudia-airbus-a321xlr-new-business-class) — Saudia Airbus A321XLRs With New Flat Bed Business Class Suites Join Fleet

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