National Air Services of Saudi Arabia will become a new operator of the Airbus ACJ family later this year, when it takes delivery of two A319 Executives – one in August and one in September.

Jeddah-based NAS is the largest provider of vvip and executive air transport services in the Middle East, currently operates a fleet of 23 executive aircraft, and is the NetJets partner in the region.

The two NAS A319 Executives will feature four-abreast seating for 44 passengers, with a vip lounge at the front of the cabin. They will make scheduled all-premium class services between Jeddah and Riyadh, and make on-demand flights to regional destinations that include Egypt, Dubai and Lebanon.

“The Airbus ACJ family’s advanced technology, high reliability and more spacious cabin, with its wider seats and aisles, strongly influenced our choice,” said NAS president and ceo Mohammed Al Zeer. “We were also impressed with the after-sales support package provided by Airbus.”

NAS’s aircraft are being financed by BNP Paribas. The outfitting is being performed by EADS Sogerma Services in Toulouse. Each of the aircraft is powered by CFM International CFM56-5 engines.

“NAS’ selection of the Airbus family crowns a successful year for us, in which we have made important inroads into airline, corporate and government markets,” said Airbus vp executive and private aviation Richard Gaona. “We are also pleased to be back in Saudi Arabia and the important Middle East market.”