Tag Archives: Saudia

SAUDIA, has achieved positive growth in its operational performance for the first half of 2024, based on the latest performance report. The airline carried 16.3 million guests on both domestic and international routes, marking a 19% increase compared to the same period in 2023. This growth was supported by the operation of over 94,300 flights, including scheduled and additional services, representing an 11% increase. Additionally, Saudia recorded 287,200 flight hours, with an 11% rise compared to last year, while maintaining an exceptional on-time performance rate of 89.3%. In international operations, Saudia transported over 9.1 million guests, reflecting a 24% increase from the previous year, and conducted 42,000 flights, marking a 13% increase compared to the same period in 2023. The airline’s international fleet logged 199,000 flight hours, marking a 12% growth. Domestically, Saudia served more than 7.2 million guests, a 14% increase, with over 52,300 flights operated, recording a 10% rise. Domestic flight hours also grew by 9%, reaching 88,000 hours. H.E. Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, stated: “In the first half of 2024, we successfully executed both our Summer and Hajj season plans. I extend my sincere gratitude and appreciation to all Saudia employees for their unwavering dedication, operational excellence, and exemplary on-time performance, which have greatly contributed to increased guest satisfaction.” Saudia’s high-quality operational performance is bolstered by its current fleet of 144 aircraft, which facilitates connections between the Kingdom and over 100 destinations across four continents. This extensive network supports various sectors, including tourism, business, sports, entertainment, Hajj, and Umrah. Looking ahead, Saudia is poised for unprecedented growth with two major agreements with Boeing and Airbus for the acquisition of 103 new aircraft over …

SAUDIA announced the appointment of two members of its senior leadership team to the International Air Transport Association (IATA)’s influential advisory councils. Mr. Faisal Sabbagh, Executive Vice President of Finance and Services at Saudia Group, has been appointed to the Industry Financial Advisory Council, while Mr. Abdulgader Attiah, Chief Data and Technology Officer at Saudia Group, has been appointed to join the Digital Transformation Advisory Council. The advisory councils focus on identifying innovative solutions to advance the aviation sector and provide recommendations for qualitative initiatives in key areas including digital transformation, security, aviation safety, and sustainability. Notably, H.E. Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, serves as an elected member of IATA’s Board of Governors, the highest legislative body within the organization. In addition, he holds positions in both the Chair Committee and the Nominating Committee, playing a crucial role in overseeing and guiding IATA’s strategic direction. With these new appointments, Saudia’s representation in IATA’s advisory councils has now reached six members across six of the association’s nine councils. Previously, Captain Mohammed Dahduli, Vice President of Safety, Aviation Security and Quality at Saudia, was appointed to the Security Advisory Council; Mr. Marwan Niazi, Vice President Commercial Saudia Air Cargo Company, joined the Cargo Advisory Council; Mr. Mohammed Alsaied, General Manager of Strategies and Legal Compliance, became a member of the Legal Advisory Council; and Dr. Saleh Bukhari, General Manager of Sales and Distribution Strategies, was appointed to the Distribution Advisory Council. These appointments further affirm Saudia’s esteemed position and the trust it has within the global aviation industry. They also reflect the airline’s commitment to leading the industry forward through strategic expertise.

Saudia Group, through Saudia and flyadeal, announced the addition of 8 new daily flights from Jeddah, Riyadh, and Dammam to Abha. This strategic move underscores the Group’s dedication to bolstering domestic tourism and aligning with the Saudi Tourism Authority’s efforts to promote Abha as a premier destination during “Aseer Season” and “Saudi Summer” campaigns. Saudia has increased its daily flights to Abha from 14 to 19, marking a notable 35.71% growth. Additionally, flyadeal has expanded its daily operations from 14 to 17 flights, reflecting a 21.42% increase. These enhancements are made possible through a modern and efficient fleet of 176 aircraft. This expansion is a key part of Saudia Group’s commitment to supporting Saudi Vision 2030, aimed at diversifying the Kingdom’s tourism offerings and attracting global visitors. By increasing flight frequencies and seat capacity, Saudia Group seeks to meet the rising demand for travel, further enriching the domestic tourism experience. Saudia Group remains dedicated to strengthening its role in national tourism programs and fostering partnerships that bring the world closer to the Kingdom.

Saudia Group and the Ministry of Investment have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to encourage global established companies to relocate their regional headquarters to the Kingdom as part of Saudi Arabia’s Regional Headquarters Program. Under the MoU, clients of the Ministry and investors will receive exclusive benefits and access to Saudia Group’s latest offerings on domestic and international flights. Additionally, the partnership includes logistics and shipping services facilitated by Saudia Cargo, as well as premium aviation and concierge services provided by Saudia Private. The collaboration will extend to joint efforts in local and international events organized by the ministry. The partnership reflects the commitment of both parties to contribute to the economic growth and diversification of the Kingdom. The MoU, signed by Khaled Tash, Saudia Group Chief Marketing Officer, and Mohammed Aba Hussain, Deputy of Integrated Investors Services at the Ministry of Investment, aims to provide a comprehensive package of benefits tailored for global companies seeking to establish regional hubs in the Kingdom. Khaled Tash, Saudia Group Chief Marketing Officer, said:”This strategic partnership between Saudia Group and the Ministry of Investment represents a significant leap forward. It promotes our position as a comprehensive aviation system dedicated to advancing and achieving the ambitious objectives of Vision 2030. By collaborating closely, we aim to optimize travel logistics for key national projects, facilitating seamless mobility both to and within the Kingdom while offering exclusive travel benefits.” Tash continued, “Saudia Group plays a crucial role in empowering cultural and tourism programs and activities, as well as Hajj and Umrah programs and services. We are committed to strengthening the Kingdom’s position as a logistics hub connecting the three continents, thereby promoting sustainable economic development and competitiveness.” …

In a move to increase domestic tourism SAUDIA has launched special promotional offer in partnership with the Saudi Tourism Authority. This offer covers round-trip flights in guest class, with prices ranging from SAR 224 to SAR 400. This initiative builds on Saudia’s commitment to providing competitive prices to its guests throughout the year. Guests can book their tickets through Saudia’s digital channels, including the website and smartphone application. The offer is valid for bookings made between July 1 and July 4, 2024, for the travel period of July 10 to August 10, 2024. In the coming years, Saudia has ambitious plans to double its network that consists of 144 aircraft connecting 26 domestic destinations. Additionally, the national flag carrier offers distinguished air services that enhance the travel experience for guests, including warm Saudi hospitality and a variety of in-flight entertainment options on multilingual screens, catering to diverse guests’ preferences.

SAUDIA and Virgin Atlantic have signed a codeshare agreement effective June 2024 to provide a range of benefits to SAUDIA’s guests and Virgin Atlantic’s passengers, enriching their travel experience and expanding route networks for both airlines to serve the tourism and business sectors. The codeshare agreement offers a range of benefits for travelers on both airlines. Guests will enjoy a smooth and hassle-free travel experience with the ability to book connecting flights on both SAUDIA and Virgin Atlantic under a single ticket. This simplifies the booking process and ensures seamless baggage handling to their destination. Additionally, frequent flyers can leverage their existing membership benefits and accrue mileage towards status upgrades on both airlines. Notably, SAUDIA’s AlFursan members can specifically earn and redeem miles on Virgin Atlantic flights. Under this new codeshare agreement, SAUDIA guests will be able to seamlessly travel from Jeddah and Riyadh to ten destinations across the United States and the Caribbean Islands via Heathrow and Manchester airports in the United Kingdom utilizing Virgin Atlantic’s extensive flight network. Furthermore, the Virgin Atlantic passengers traveling from the United States will be able to conveniently book flights via London Heathrow and Manchester airports, connecting them to SAUDIA’s services in Jeddah and Riyadh.

SAUDIA signed an agreement with AEGEAN to expand their codeshare. The agreement will  enable guests of both airlines to reach new destinations. Through AEGEAN, guests can reach 47 countries at 156 destinations, such as Zagreb in Croatia and Tirana in Albania, as well as Santorini and Rhodes in Greece. Guests of AEGEAN will also benefit from access to domestic destinations in conjunction with the tourism movement witnessed in various regions of the Kingdom. The agreement adds numerous benefits for SAUDIA’s guests as well as AEGEAN passengers, including the expansion and growth of the flight network. Additionally, it includes transit visa services, which can be issued through digital channels by SAUDIA in collaboration with the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, allowing guests from around the world to stopover for up to 96 hours. The agreement was signed during the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) held at the Dubai World Trade Center by the Chief Commercial Officer of SAUDIA, Arved Von Zur Muehlen and Network Planning and Airline Partnerships Director AEGEAN, Yannis Rasoglou, by which SAUDIA’s guests and AEGEAN’s passengers will benefit from a wide range of privileges, starting with reservations and ticket issuance, in addition to fast and smooth transfers between flights with a single ticket. Moreover, they will enjoy the convenience of checking in their luggage to their final destination and benefiting from a reciprocal rewards program where miles can be collected to upgrade membership. Arved Von Zur Muehlen, the Chief Commercial Officer of Saudia, said: “This new codeshare agreement with AEGEAN is a significant step forward in expanding our network and offering a wider range of travel options. Not only will Saudia’s guests enjoy seamless connections to exciting new destinations, but they will …

Saudia signed an agreement with Kenya Airways to expand the connectivity of both airlines and maximize benefits for their guests. The agreement incorporates a wide-range of benefits, including booking and ticket issuance, as well as seamless transfers between flights with a single ticket. Guests will also be able to check-in their luggage to their destination and benefit from a reciprocal rewards program that enhances and rewards guests. Guests can also benefit from transit visas that can be issued through Saudia’s digital channels in cooperation with the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs allowing them to stopover for up to 96 hours. The agreement will allow guests to easily reach different regions of the Kingdom to enjoy the climatic diversity, as well as the variety of activities and events that highlight the Kingdom’s historical heritage and legacy, as well as to perform the Umrah and Hajj, and visit the Holy sites. Additionally, guests will be able to reach new destinations such as Accra in Ghana, Bamako in Mali, Bujumbura in Burundi, Lusaka in Zambia and Mombasa in Kenya, among others. The agreement was signed by Saudia’s Chief Commercial Officer Arved Von Zur Muehlen and Kenya Airways’ Regional General Manager- India & Middle East, Albert Abwoga. Saudia is committed activate codeshare agreements as one way to achieving its objective to connect the world to the Kingdom, coupled with qualitative initiatives to enhance the travel experience through both ground and air services and products, in addition to aligning with the initiatives of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy by increasing air connectivity to more than 250 destinations by 2030, and keeping pace with the targets of the Saudi Ministry of Tourism of reaching 150 million visits …

SAUDIA has launched its innovative digital platform, the Travel Companion (TC), powered by advanced artificial intelligence. This move is part of a two-year plan to revolutionize the travel industry by embracing digital innovations. In collaboration with global professional services firm Accenture, Saudia’s Travel Companion is set to change how travelers interact with the airline and redefine the standards of digital travel. The Travel Companion offers personalized and tailored solutions to meet individual preferences and needs, providing search results from trusted and authenticated sources and utilizes image-supported responses. The platform is intended to be a comprehensive, one-stop solution that allows users to book concierge services such as hotels, transportation, restaurants, activities, and attractions, eliminating the need to switch between multiple platforms. Additionally, it establishes seamless connections with transportation platforms and various train companies, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted journey. In the next stages, Saudia will introduce additional features, such as voice command and digital payment solutions. Through an always-on Travel Companion accessible via a telecom e-SIM card enabled by Saudia, users can enjoy global access without relying on other internet providers. Furthermore, users can purchase data packages for additional applications, ensuring continuous access to the platform’s services. The ultimate goal of the Travel Companion is to become the top app for travelers, providing unparalleled travel information. With aspirations to become the go-to platform for various services beyond flight bookings, the Travel Companion will aim to distinguish itself in the airline industry. His Excellency Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group said, “We are thrilled to introduce the Travel Companion, a game-changer in the airline industry that will revolutionize the digital travel experience. This platform, resulting from our ongoing collaboration with …

SAUDIA signed an agreement with Tibah Airports to expand operational activities to and from Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Medina. The agreement comes within Saudia’s efforts to enhance its operational capabilities, increase operational movement, and connect Medina with many capitals and cities worldwide, contributing to doubling the visitor rate, especially with the developmental and enriching projects taking place in Medina. This step aligns with Saudia’s ongoing transformation and expansion plan with many aircraft scheduled for delivery in the coming years. Furthermore, it underscores Saudia’s commitment to delivering best class services that elevate both ground and air travel experiences, in line with the latest advancements in the aviation sector. The agreement was signed by His Excellency the Director General of Saudia Group, Engr. Ibrahim Al Omar, and the Chairman of Tibah Airports Operation Co, Dr. Ibrahim Alrajhi. His Excellency Engr. Ibrahim Al Omar said: “This agreement is an extension of Saudia’s contributions and initiatives aimed at achieving the targets of Saudi Vision 2030, especially those related to hosting 30 million pilgrims by 2030. It also contributes to achieving the objectives of the Saudi Aviation Strategy to boost air connectivity to over 250 destinations. This agreement will help us expand on our services by providing greater air connectivity between Madinah and many destinations within and beyond Saudi Arabia.” Dr. Ibrahim Alrajhi stated, “We are delighted to welcome Saudia’s decision to expand its operation in Medina Airport. This strategic move will not only strengthen the airport’s position as a gateway to the holy city of Medina but also enhance the overall travel experience for pilgrims from around the world. The expansion of Saudia’s operations at Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport will …