AIX 2026: flyadeal Selects Geven and Jiatai Seats for New A330 Fleet
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At Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX) 2026, flyadeal announced the seating choices for its first widebody fleet, confirming suppliers for its new two-class Airbus A330-900neo aircraft. The airline selected Geven for Premium Economy and Jiatai for Economy Class. The announcement marks a major milestone as flyadeal prepares to enter long-haul operations while maintaining its low-cost model.
Two-Class A330 Cabin Signals New Growth Phase
The new A330-900neo fleet represents a significant shift for flyadeal, which has built its business around single-aisle Airbus A320 family aircraft and a simple all-economy product. With deliveries of 10 aircraft due to begin in summer 2027, the airline is preparing to expand its route network into longer-haul markets across Asia, Europe, and Africa.
Each aircraft will feature a two-class layout with 406 Economy seats and 14 Premium Economy seats. That configuration reflects flyadeal’s attempt to balance high-density economics with a more premium offering for passengers seeking added comfort on flights that can exceed 11 hours.
The Premium Economy cabin will use Geven’s Comoda AQ seat, configured across two rows in a 2-3-2 layout. Each seat will offer a 38-inch pitch and 8-inch recline, giving passengers more personal space and comfort than standard economy seating.
Geven Managing Director Alberto Veneruso said the program represents an important milestone for both companies. “We are thrilled to support flyadeal as they introduce their first Premium Economy product,” he said. “It is an honor to stand alongside flyadeal as they take this important step in enhancing their passenger experience.”
For flyadeal, Premium Economy offers a way to capture higher-yield traffic without the complexity or cost of a full business class cabin. Many airlines are increasingly viewing the segment as a profitable middle ground between standard economy and premium long-haul products.
The move also reflects changing travel demand in Saudi Arabia. As the Kingdom invests heavily in tourism and global connectivity under Vision 2030, airlines are expanding networks and diversifying products to attract both inbound visitors and outbound travelers.
“After almost 12 months working behind the scenes on specifications for our new A330s, flyadeal is now embarking on its widebody journey in preparation for entry into service next year. The interiors have been carefully chosen with passenger comfort, space, weight, durability, sustainability and ambience central to our decisions,” said Saudia GroupExecutive Vice President Strategies and flyadeal Acting Chief Executive Officer Sanjiv Kapoor.
Economy Cabin Focuses on Density, Comfort, and Efficiency
While Premium Economy may draw attention, the main cabin remains central to flyadeal’s business model. The airline selected Jiatai to provide customized Economy Class seats, marking the Chinese supplier’s first program in the Middle East.
The economy cabin will feature 406 seats in a 3-3-3 layout, with seat pitch of up to 30 inches. That gives flyadeal one of the higher-capacity A330neo layouts in the market, supporting the low fares and cost discipline that have defined the airline’s rapid growth.
Jiatai Chairman Jingfeng Liu said the agreement represents a key international milestone. “This collaboration not only validates Jiatai’s product reliability and innovation capabilities but also represents a pivotal step in the international expansion of Chinese aircraft seating brands.”
For passengers, the seats are designed with long-haul comfort in mind. Features across the aircraft include ergonomic recline, additional seat and back support, adjustable headrests, USB-C charging ports, and warm ambient lighting.
These details matter on flights that can last more than 11 hours. Low-cost airlines entering long-haul markets often face questions about comfort, especially on widebody aircraft. By focusing on practical upgrades instead of luxury, flyadeal appears focused on offering value while keeping costs under control.
The broader cabin program extends beyond seating. Safran Cabin will supply customized widebody galleys designed to improve workspace for cabin crews, while Lantal Textiles will provide carpets and curtains. Lantal already works with flyadeal on its narrowbody fleet, helping create design continuity as the airline grows.