WOW: Yemenia Takes Delivery Of 4th A320: 8 More On Order

Intro

Yemenia is a fascinating little airline. For those unaware, Yemenia is the flag carrier of Yemen and a lifeline for those in Yemen. With two bases, one out of Sana'a featuring 1 A320, and the other out of Aden, featuring 2 A320s, this is an airline that connects Yemenis to the rest of the world.

For reference: Yemenia operates two different pilot bases. The one in Sana'a is Houthi-controlled, and the planes do not fly to the South, while the planes in the South are controlled by the joint UAE government and never fly to the North. They used to have another plane in the North, before it was destroyed.

Well, another aircraft has been delivered, and there is more to come...

The Details

As of August 20th, Yemenia has taken delivery of its latest A320, going by the name of "Awsan". As per the past, and the flight which I took with them from Aden to Djibouti, this plane is ex-Philippine Airlines and most recently, ex-Silk Air.

Yemenia A320 at Aden Airport, Yemen

But, honestly speaking, this is more than just a plane; this represents the potential expansion for the flag carrier of Yemen that has been through so much. Considering 10 years ago, when the runway was unoperational, to now having an active fleet of 4 aircraft, this is exceptional stuff by Yemenia. For those interested, the tail number is "7O-AFH"

Yemenia Has 8 A320s On Order

In the media, we hear so much talk about Yemen, but we are very uninformed. I say that with respect, but it's true. Yemen is currently split between the North and the South, and what you usually hear is about the North. The South has been quite peaceful, thanks (or no thanks, depending on who you are) to the Saudi government.

Anyways, Yemenia has placed an order for 8 A320s going forward, and it's actually quite an interesting order. Not only have they ordered 4 A320s, they have ordered 4 A320Neos, and they will all be bought brand new. Contrary to popular belief, sanctions work slightly differently in Yemen (and Libya for that matter) compared to Russia or other states. Airlines can still purchase parts, and aircraft for that matter.

These aircraft are set to be delivered sometime between 2026-2029, with the first one being delivered in 2026.

While the current product doesn't offer IFE, I would imagine the new one will

But honestly, this opens up so much potential for Yemenia and Yemenis. I wouldn't be surprised if we begin seeing daily flights to Dubai as of late 2026, and expanded routes to the Middle East and East Africa. European flights won't fall far behind, especially since they can still fly these routes as the sanctions are directed towards the North.

Gosh, this is all so exciting. I'll keep you all updated as this progresses.

Final Thoughts

After a plane was taken out in Sana'a, Yemenias' fleet was cut down to just three A320s. As of a few weeks ago, Yemenia took delivery of another ex-Silk Air aircraft, and this is just the beginning. In the next few years, Yemenia will expand to over 12 aircraft, and I would imagine that flights to Europe will soon be coming. What an exciting time for Yemen as it begins to somewhat stabilize in the South.