Flying with Saudi Elegance

    

 In the early 1980s, Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) embarked on a strategic move that would mark a turning point for its fleet: the introduction of two Fokker F‑28 Fellowship jets. Compact yet highly versatile, these aircraft combined modernity, efficiency, and international reach. Far more than mere airplanes, the F‑28s became the key that enabled Saudia to expand its operations into Europe while strengthening domestic routes—all without purchasing the aircraft outright—thanks to a wet lease agreement with the Danish carrier Cimber Air.

    Under this arrangement, the aircraft came complete with their own maintenance, crew, and insurance, yet operated in Saudia’s livery. This provided the airline with the flexibility to grow its network without tying up its own resources.

    Saudia was no stranger to leasing. Back in the mid‑1970s, a Nord 262 bearing the registration OY‑BDD had temporarily flown in Saudia colours before returning to its Danish owner. However, the arrival of the F‑28 represented a significant step forward. The two jets, OY‑BRM (msn.11143) and OY‑BRN (msn. 11151),  donned the airline’s full colour scheme and were deployed between 1980 and 1986 on short- and medium‑haul routes, both within Saudi Arabia and to nearby international destinations. Their compact size and operational efficiency made them ideal for replacing older models and increasing the frequency of domestic flights, foreshadowing Saudia’s later adoption of more modern narrow‑body aircraft.

    During this period, Saudia also established the Special Flight Services (SFS) division, tasked with operating special flights for the Royal Family and the Government. Through this unit, the F‑28s were able to serve a variety of European destinations on official or specialised missions, while smaller aircraft, such as the Cessna Citation, handled less demanding or highly specific tasks.

    At the conclusion of the lease, both F‑28s were returned to their rightful owner, who subsequently marketed them commercially. The experience left a clear lesson: strategic leasing allowed Saudia to modernise its fleet and extend its international reach without straining its own resources, combining efficiency, flexibility, and the capacity to operate both commercial and specialised services.

 

   * msn. 11143 OY-BRM  li 07Jul1980 - 16Dec1986.

   * msn. 11151 OY-BRN   li 28Jun1980 - 16Dec1986.