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The Remarkable Legacy of HZ-AKN and Saudi Arabian Airlines
Every piece of aviation history holds a unique story, and the HZ-AKN edition by Aviationtag is no exception. This Boeing 777-200ER, once a key part of Saudi Arabian Airlines' fleet, has flown across the globe, connecting people and places for
over two decades. Now, through the transformation of this iconic aircraft into a limited edition Aviationtag, you can own a piece of aviation history that celebrates both the legacy of the HZ-AKN and the proud history of Saudi Arabian Airlines.
Aviationtag Edition:
From the Skies to Your Hands
The Boeing 777-200ER, registration HZ-AKN (MSN 28357), was delivered to Saudi Arabian Airlines in December 1998. Configured with 14 business-class and 327
economy-class seats, it became a trusted workhorse for long-haul routes, flying
across continents and connecting destinations worldwide. After being retired in Riyadh in September 2018, HZ-AKN was moved to the United States in 2019, where
it awaited the next phase of its life.
In 2023, Aviationtag saw an opportunity to preserve this aircraft’s legacy by transforming parts of it into the HZ-AKN Aviationtag edition. With its unique blue and beige color tones, this limited edition tag gives you the chance to own a tangible piece of this aircraft’s extraordinary history. Whether as a keychain, luggage tag, or a collector's item, this Aviationtag lets you carry a piece of aviation heritage with you wherever you go.
Aviationtag Saudi Arabian Airlines Edition View all
Saudi Arabian Airlines:
A Legacy of Excellence in Aviation
Saudi Arabian Airlines, known locally as Saudia, boasts a rich history as one of the leading airlines in the Middle East. Established in 1945, Saudia has played a pivotal role in the region's aviation growth, expanding its fleet and network to meet the demands of an increasingly globalized world. In the early years, the airline began with propeller aircraft, including the Douglas DC-3, and expanded rapidly throughout the 1950s and 1960s to include larger, more advanced jets such as the Boeing 707 and 720.
The 1970s marked a major milestone with the introduction of the Boeing 737 and 747, revolutionizing Saudia's capabilities and allowing the airline to expand into new international markets. During the 1980s and 1990s, Saudia continued its growth by acquiring newer aircraft, including the Boeing 777, which would play a crucial role in long-haul travel. The introduction of the Boeing 777 in the late 1990s marked the airline’s commitment to delivering both quality service and modern aviation technology to its passengers.
Saudia’s Fleet
A Modern Powerhouse
As of May 2024, Saudi Arabian Airlines operates a fleet of 163 aircraft, including many Boeing 777s, with an average fleet age of just 9.2 years. The fleet is made up
of both narrowbody and widebody aircraft, with numerous Boeing 787 Dreamliners
and Airbus A320neo aircraft complementing their long-haul capabilities. Saudia also made headlines in 2023 with plans to launch a new fleet of electric aircraft, aiming to be the first in the region to offer electric air travel with the addition of Lilium Jets...
Saudia’s fleet continues to evolve, and with more advanced aircraft such as the Boeing 787 and Airbus A321neo on the horizon, the airline is poised for continued growth.
Moreover, in a strategic move in October 2023, Saudia announced that, starting in 2025, it will focus its operations exclusively from Jeddah, as the newly established Riyadh Air takes over flights from the capital. This new development marks a pivotal moment for Saudia as it prepares for an exciting future in aviation.
The HZ-AKN aircraft tag edition by Aviationtag is more than just a piece of an aircraft—it’s a tribute to the rich history of Saudi Arabian Airlines and the iconic Boeing 777. This edition connects you to the legacy of Saudia, a pioneer in Middle Eastern aviation, and offers you the chance to own a piece of aviation history.
Have you every flown with Saudi Arabian Airlines? Tell us in the blog comments.
