Tag Archives: Saudia

SAUDIA announced a partnership between AlFursan loyalty program and Choice Hotels, enabling AlFursan members to join Choice Privileges, the loyalty program of Choice Hotels. The agreement was signed by Essam Akhonbay, Vice President of AlFursan Loyalty Program at SAUDIA, and Nour Ghanem, General Manager of Choice Hotels in Saudi Arabia. As part of the partnership, AlFursan members will earn 1,000 AlFursan reward miles for every 5,000 Choice Privileges points converted. Essam Akhonbay, the Vice President of AlFursan Loyalty Program at SAUDIA, commented: “This partnership reflects SAUDIA’s ongoing commitment to enhancing its global network of partnerships and offering more exclusive benefits to AlFursan members. With Choice Hotels’ extensive portfolio across the world, this collaboration opens a wealth of new opportunities for our members to enjoy exceptional travel experiences worldwide.” David Beers, CEO of Choice Hotels EMEA, said: “We continue to focus on adding redemption benefits that provide further value for our members so they can redeem the points they have earned by staying at nearly 7,500 Choice Hotels around the world. This new agreement is a great expansion of the rewards and opportunities that are available to the 65 million Choice Privileges members for their travels.” AlFursan members enjoy a wide range of benefits and exclusive offers through extensive local and global partnerships, allowing members to accelerate the earning of Miles to redeem for flights with SAUDIA and our SkyTeam partners.

SAUDIA has officially launched its inaugural flight from King Fahd International Airport in Dammam to Beijing, China. The new route will operate twice a week in each direction, as part of a connecting flight from King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. With this addition, Dammam becomes the third city from which SAUDIA operates flights to Beijing, following Jeddah and Riyadh. The total weekly seating capacity between the Kingdom and Beijing is approximately 1,310 seats across 4 flights, while the weekly capacity to Guangzhou is 1,966 seats across 6 flights. SAUDIA has a designated Boeing B787 Dreamliner, known for its high operational efficiency and comfort, offering guests an elevated travel experience. SAUDIA celebrated the inaugural flight from Dammam to Beijing with a special ribbon-cutting ceremony in the departure hall. The event was attended by Mr. Wang Qimin, The Consul General of the People’s Republic of China, Engr. Mohammed Al-Hassany, CEO of Dammam Airports Company (DACO), and Mr. Wail Basaffar, the Assistant Vice President of KSA Sales at Saudia. Eng. Mohammed bin Ali Al-Hassany, CEO of Dammam Airports Company, said: “The launch of flights to Beijing, in partnership with Saudia, reflects our commitment to diversifying the international destinations of King Fahd International Airport to meet travelers’ aspirations and enhance their experience. This initiative is part of our plan to develop international air traffic, aiming to attract new airlines and increase direct destinations, which will support economic and tourism growth in the Eastern Province.” He added: “From January to September 2024, King Fahd International Airport achieved a remarkable 16.2% growth in passenger numbers compared to 2023, and I commend the tremendous efforts of our team and partners in making this accomplishment possible.” Mr. …

SAUDIA signed a codeshare agreement with Delta Air Lines. The agreement builds on the airlines’ existing interline relationship and will expand the choice of destinations for SAUDIA guests between North America and the Arabian Peninsula. The carriers applied to the necessary codesharing authorities today and will start selling codeshare itineraries once all government approvals have been received. The codeshare agreement will enable greater connectivity between the United States and the Middle East. SAUDIA guests will gain access to 12 destinations in the U.S. beyond Delta’s hubs at JFK and LAX airports. Delta customers will gain access to 9 destinations in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East beyond the cities of Jeddah and Riyadh. SAUDIA and Delta guests will enjoy enhanced travel experiences between the airlines’ respective destinations, serving both tourism and business sectors. SAUDIA and Delta are both members of the SkyTeam alliance. Frequent Flyers will continue to earn and redeem miles on both airlines, while SkyTeam Elite Plus travelers benefit from SkyPriority services. Arved Von Zur Muehlen, Chief Commercial Officer at SAUDIA, stated, “Signing this codeshare agreement with Delta Air Lines reflects SAUDIA’s commitment to expanding its flight network, providing seamless travel experiences and enhancing its global connectivity. This provides Saudia’s guests with more travel options, promoting the local tourism sector and allowing international visitors to discover the diversity of the Kingdom’s attractions.” He added, “This partnership between two legacy airlines fosters greater collaboration between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United States, opening up new possibilities for commercial and tourism relations. We look forward to furthering our cooperation and exploring additional opportunities with Delta.” Perry Cantarutti, Senior Vice President Alliances at Delta, said: “SAUDIA’s growing Jeddah hub and extensive network bring …

As part of SAUDIA’s investments to make King Abdulaziz International Airport into a true hub and enhance the guest’s travel experience, they officially inaugurated its new First and Business Class Check-In Lounge at Terminal 1 of King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. H.E. Eng. Ibrahim bin Abdulrahman Al-Omar, the Director General of SAUDIA Group inaugurated this luxurious, exclusive space which is designed to elevate the travel experience for SAUDIA’s First and Business Class guests, as well as AlFursan Gold members. The lounge offers personalized services tailored to meet the needs of discerning travelers. The new lounge features 10 dedicated check-in counters, each complemented by a comfortable seating area to ensure a seamless and relaxed start to the journey. Upon arrival, guests are greeted by specialized staff and treated to traditional Saudi coffee and dates. The lounge also includes a dedicated café counter, offering a selection of hot and cold beverages. The opening of the new First and Business Class Check-In Lounge marks a significant milestone in SAUDIA’s strategy to strengthen its Jeddah hub. This strategy involves centralizing operations in state-of-the-art facilities and services, optimizing connectivity and transit traffic, and maintaining a distinctive on-time performance through integrated operations. By creating a true hub, Saudia is also contributing to the broader Saudi Vision 2030 goal of attracting 330 million visits and welcoming the world to the Kingdom. Additionally, the lounge’s design reflects the rich Saudi culture and landmarks, highlighting SAUDIA’s new era and its dedication to presenting the nation’s rich identity and culture to its guests. Riyadh M. Alhudhaif, General Manager of the Jeddah HUB stated: “Unveiling SAUDIA’s new First and Business Class Check-In Lounge marks a landmark milestone in luxury travel, redefining …

AlFursan and Carwah announced a partnership agreement that allows AlFursan members to earn extra Miles for every car rental booked through Carwah. The partnership offers AlFursan members a seamless way to maximize their travel benefits. By choosing Carwah for their car rental needs, members can accumulate Miles for future flights, upgrades, and other valuable rewards. The agreement was signed by Essam Akhonbay, Vice President of AlFursan loyalty at Saudia, and Faisal Hamad AlQahtani, the Chief Executive Officer of Carwah. Members can benefit from a lucrative reward structure, earning one Mile through AlFursan Rewards program for every three SAR spent with Carwah. Essam Akhonbay said: “This partnership aligns with AlFursan’s commitment to enhancing members’ experiences by offering them a range of exclusive opportunities to earn Miles and other distinctive benefits. Today, we are excited to combine the advantages of AlFursan’s extensive rewards program with Carwah’s comprehensive car rental network, aiming to elevate our offerings and add value to Saudia’s guests.” Faisal Hamad AlQahtani stated, “We are thrilled to announce our partnership with AlFursan, providing members with an exceptional and rewarding car rental experience through Carwah. With over 80,000 cars registered on our platform and 1,200 branches across 44 cities and airports in the Kingdom, AlFursan members can now earn Miles with every Carwah rental. This makes their travels—whether by car or air—even more rewarding. Together, we are enhancing the way you travel, one Mile at a time!” Al Fursan has expanded its partner network to include more than 20 global partners in the past two years, offering members a wider range of rewards and benefits with banks, hotels, car rental companies, telecommunications, retail, and insurance, as part of the program’s global partnerships. Members also …

SAUDIA announced a new partnership with AlUla Club Company, to provide exclusive travel benefits for the company’s employees and affiliates. SAUDIA has been at the forefront of showcasing Al-Ula’s heritage and tourism through several high-profile initiatives, and this partnership builds on a rich history of collaboration between SAUDIA and the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU). Signed by Wail Basaffar, Assistant Vice President of KSA Sales at SAUDIA, and Waleed Muath, Chief Executive Officer of AlUla Club Company, the agreement will offer special discounts and rates on domestic and international flights with SAUDIA, further enhancing AlUla Club Company employees’ travel experiences. Recently, Alula FM became the first radio station to be featured on SAUDIA’s In-flight entertainment system. The airlines has also played a key role in sponsoring AlUla Skies Festival in 2022 and 2023, which included a diverse range of sky activities such as hot air ballooning and drone displays, attracting a wider audience to the region. Additionally, SAUDIA sponsored the Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo tournament in 2022, highlighting Al Ula’s cultural vibrancy. Earlier milestones included the 2021 launch of the “Museum in the Sky,” a first of its kind flight experience that showcased Al-Ula’s archaeological treasures. SAUDIA was also the first airline to introduce seasonal flights to AlUla in 2019, solidifying its highlighting its continued dedication to enhancing the region’s growth. Wail Basaffar said: “This partnership not only reflects SAUDIA’s commitment to expanding our network of collaborations but also builds on our long-standing relationship with RCU. As we continue to grow our fleet and enhance our travel services, we are excited to offer exclusive benefits to AlUla Club Company employees and further strengthen our enduring ties with the region.” Waleed …

SAUDIA announced the launch of its first direct flight to Medan, Indonesia, marking its second destination to the country following Jakarta. With four weekly flights scheduled from Jeddah and Madinah, this move aligns with SAUDIA’s commitment to bring the world to the Kingdom and contribute to the objectives of the Saudi Vision 2030, particularly those related to serving pilgrims and visitors to the Two Holy Mosques. SAUDIA celebrated the inaugural flight to Medan with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah. The event was attended by the Indonesian Ambassador to the Kingdom, Dr. Abdulaziz Ahmed, and the Assistant Vice President of KSA Sales at SAUDIA, Mr. Wail Basaffar, as well as relevant stakeholders. SAUDIA offers a range of services designed to elevate the guest experience, including digital platforms that allow guests to plan their journeys, complete necessary procedures, and access after-sales support. Additionally, SAUDIA provides on-site services at airports to expedite processes and ensure a seamless travel experience. SAUDIA’s international operations are continuously evolving to expand its market share and set new benchmarks in guest transportation, catering to tourists, visitors, and pilgrims. SAUDIA’s fleet of 144 aircraft plays a crucial role in supporting these efforts. Furthermore, SAUDIA is committed to increasing the volume of transit traffic between continents via the Kingdom, which is a key pillar of its strategic vision and new era.

SAUDIA has partnered with Mastercard to empower women entrepreneurs in the kingdom with Saudi Arabia’s first tech-inclusion and female-focused accelerator. Together, they will host three workshops in Jeddah, Riyadh, and Khobar, offering budding female entrepreneurs, aspiring leaders, and small business owners invaluable learning and networking opportunities. This season, SAUDIA and Mastercard are joining forces with Blossom Accelerator, The podcast adds to the 5,000 hours of content available on SAUDIA’s Beyond inflight entertainment system, offering a high-quality interactive experience with a diverse range of content suitable for various guest preferences and age groups in more than 16 languages. Additionally, a competition will be launched, inviting startups to present their business concepts at priceless.com/hervoiceS3 for a chance to win a one-year mentorship program by Blossom Accelerator. Essam Akhonbay, Vice President of Marketing at SAUDIA, said: “SAUDIA has been a pioneer in supporting women’s professional growth. By including ‘Her Voice’ on our in-flight entertainment system, we continue to champion women’s stories while enhancing our guests’ experience. Our Beyond entertainment system, with its extensive and interactive content, perfectly complements this initiative.” Maria Medvedeva, Country Manager, Saudi Arabia, Mastercard, stated: “Amplifying the incredibly moving stories of Saudi women from all over the Kingdom, Her Voice has serves as the clarion call for the recognition of excellence. With women being at the heart of the Kingdom’s transformation into a global hub of innovation and nerve center of regional entrepreneurship, it is vital that we share their inspiring narratives with the rest of the world. We aim to continue doing exactly that with the third season of the podcast series, working closely with Saudia to action lasting and meaningful change.” True to the spirit of the podcast, …

SAUDIA announced the addition of Phuket to its seasonal destinations, making it the second city in Thailand to join its network, following the capital, Bangkok. This expansion aligns with SAUDIA’s strategic objective to broaden its international flight network and bring the world to Saudi Arabia, leveraging its young fleet and enhancing its global competitive advantage. SAUDIA will commence flights to Phuket on 2 December 2024, offering 12 weekly round trips from Riyadh and Jeddah combined. Bookings will be available through SAUDIA’s website and mobile app. Operational preparations are currently underway at Phuket International Airport to ensure an exceptional service and seamless experience for all guests. The airline will deploy its state-of-the-art Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft on the routes between the Kingdom and Phuket. These Dreamliners are equipped with spacious seating, advanced inflight entertainment systems catering to diverse guest preferences, and other premium onboard services designed to enhance the travel experience.

SAUDIA continues to top the global list for on-time performance (OTP), achieving this milestone for the second time consecutively, according to a report by the independent aviation tracking site, Cirium, for July2024. The report indicates that Saudia has achieved an on-time arrival rate of 88.12% and an on-time departure rate of 88.15%, operating 16,503 flights across its network of over 100 destinations in four continents. His Excellency Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, said: “At Saudia Group, achieving a high OTP has been a shared objective, as it directly impacts guest satisfaction. We’ve successfully maintained it during this year’s peak seasons, a testament to the collaborative efforts of the entire Saudia Group and relevant stakeholders in the aviation industry. Sustaining our leadership in this area requires continuous dedication and resilience in overcoming the numerous challenges within the aviation sector globally.” In the coming years, Saudia will take delivery of 103 new aircraft, aligning with the airline’s strategy to double seating capacity, expand to new global destinations, as well as its commitment to bring the world to the Kingdom in line with Vision 2030.