Saudi airline flynas has launched a special Airbus A320neo aircraft painted in the colors and logo of Al-Hilal football club. This marks the first time a Middle East football team gets its own branded plane, arriving in Riyadh on October 30, 2025, as part of their ongoing partnership.
The move boosts sports tourism in Saudi Arabia and ties into national goals for growth. Fans and travelers can now fly on a plane that celebrates one of the kingdom’s top clubs.
The Historic Arrival of the Branded Aircraft
Flynas announced the new plane on November 3, 2025, after it landed at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. The Airbus A320neo features Al-Hilal’s signature blue shades, club logo, and other visual elements that make it stand out.
This aircraft is not just a symbol. It will carry the Al-Hilal team on official trips and join flynas’ regular flights when not in use for the club. The first team flight happened on November 2, 2025, heading to Doha for a match.
Al-Hilal becomes the first football club in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East to have such a dedicated plane. This sets a new standard for how sports teams connect with aviation.
Experts say this could inspire other clubs in the region to seek similar partnerships. It shows how football is growing fast in Saudi Arabia.
Partnership Between Flynas and Al-Hilal
The deal between flynas and Al-Hilal started in 2024 and runs for four seasons. Flynas serves as the official airline for the club, handling travel needs for players and staff.
This collaboration goes beyond flights. It includes marketing efforts to promote both the airline and the club. For example, the plane will fly on domestic and international routes, letting everyday passengers experience the Al-Hilal theme.
Flynas has grown quickly in recent years. The airline added its 60th Airbus A320neo to the fleet in October 2025, showing strong expansion.
Here are some key aspects of the partnership:
- Official carrier status for Al-Hilal’s travel.
- Branded aircraft to boost visibility for both brands.
- Support for sports events and fan engagement.
- Alignment with Saudi goals to host more global tournaments.
Al-Hilal, a top team in the Saudi Pro League, benefits from reliable transport. The club leads the league in 2025 with stars like Neymar and Ruben Neves.
Boosting Saudi Sports and Tourism
This branded plane highlights the rise of football in Saudi Arabia. Al-Hilal tops brand rankings in the Middle East, with a strong score in recent studies.
The move ties into Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia’s plan to diversify its economy. It aims to make the kingdom a hub for sports and tourism.
Flynas plays a big role here. The airline launched new routes in 2025, like direct flights from Jeddah to Moscow starting December 23. This connects Saudi Arabia to more international visitors.
Sports tourism is booming. Events like the Saudi Pro League draw global fans, and branded travel options make it easier to attend games.
Other Gulf clubs, such as Al-Nassr, are also investing heavily. But Al-Hilal leads with innovations like this plane.
| Milestone | Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Partnership Start | September 2024 | Flynas becomes official airline for Al-Hilal. |
| Aircraft Arrival | October 30, 2025 | A320neo lands in Riyadh with club branding. |
| First Flight | November 2, 2025 | Team travels to Doha for AFC match. |
| Fleet Expansion | October 2025 | Flynas adds 60th A320neo overall. |
| New Route Launch | December 23, 2025 | Moscow-Jeddah flights begin. |
Future Flights and Fan Experiences
The plane will not sit idle. When Al-Hilal does not need it, flynas will use it for commercial routes. Passengers might spot it on trips within Saudi Arabia or abroad.
This creates fun experiences for fans. Imagine boarding a flight decked out in your favorite team’s colors. It could include special onboard features like club videos or merchandise.
Al-Hilal plans more trips soon. The team faces key matches in the league and international cups, using the plane for efficient travel.
Flynas aims to expand further. With Vision 2030 support, the airline targets more routes and partnerships in 2026.
Impact on Middle East Football
Al-Hilal’s branded plane sets a benchmark for other clubs. In the Gulf, teams like those in the UAE and Qatar are watching closely.
This innovation shows how Saudi clubs are using star power and investments to grow. Players like Sergej Milinkovic-Savic add to Al-Hilal’s appeal.
The sports sector in Saudi Arabia grew by over 20 percent in 2025, driven by events and infrastructure. Aviation links help bring in tourists and boost the economy.
Fans see this as a sign of football’s bright future in the region. It combines passion for the game with modern travel.
What do you think about this branded plane? Share your thoughts in the comments and spread the word to fellow football fans.
