Saudi wealth fund eyes national airline for possible takeover

The PIF is planning to acquire Saudia from the government with the aim of enhancing its efficiency and profitability.

The airline could potentially be privatised or amalgamated with Riyadh Air, a new airline that the PIF is currently establishing.

The valuation of Saudia by the PIF is uncertain, as the fund has previously received assets from the government for free to prepare them for privatisation. Saudia operates a fleet of over 142 aircraft and serves more than 90 global destinations.

Final decisions have not yet been reached, as the discussions are in their initial stages, and there’s a possibility that the plan could be postponed or even discarded.