Saudia Group, the owner of Saudia Cargo and Flyadeal, announced November 14 that it was close to reaching an agreement to order 100 narrow-body jets, but the company wants the manufacturer it's working with to increase the order count to at least 150 aircraft.

Abdullah Al Shahrani, Saudia Group’s general manager of communications and media affairs, said that supply chain issues were part of the reason why the company had not agreed to an order of more than 100 jets, according to Reuters.

"We insist on having more than 150," Al Shahrani said during an interview at the Dubai Airshow taking place from November 13 to November 17. "We are waiting for confirmation from the manufacturer that they are able to produce more than 150."

Al Shahrani did not identify the aircraft manufacturer.

Saudia Group is planning on announcing the order before the end of 2023, with the airplanes going to Saudia Cargo as well as Flyadeal.

Saudia is planning a large expansion initiative over the next seven years as part of Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman's Vision 2030 plan that aims to wean the kingdom off of its dependence on oil.

Riyadh Air has also hinted at the idea of placing a “sizeable” order of narrow-body jets in the coming weeks. However, the airline  has decided not to name the manufacturer it would be working with.