Tag Archives: Saudia

SAUDIA retained its position as the global leader in July, with an OTP of 88.15% according to Cirium’s latest report. It further stated that  the CrowdStrike outage had less impact in the Middle East and Africa region. Affected airlines and airports were able to quickly resolve the situation and return to normal operations by using an alternative system for the check-in processes. King Khalid International Airport (RUH) secured the third-place position in the Global Airports category with an OTP of 83.27%.

SAUDIA announced the addition of Medan to its scheduled and regular flight network, making it the second destination in the Republic of Indonesia after the capital, Jakarta. The airline has allocated four weekly flights in both directions between Medan and both Jeddah and Medina, with operations starting on August 31. This step is part of its expansion efforts to connect the world with the Kingdom and to serve diverse guest segments. A meeting was recently held between Saudia and officials from Kualanamu International Airport in Medan to arrange for the operations and ensure readiness of services. The goal is to provide the best solutions to ensure smooth airport traffic and procedures. By adding Medina as a second destination in the Kingdom after Jeddah for the new Medan route, Saudia seeks to capitalize on the increasing demand. This move follows a recent agreement with Tibah Airports to increase operations and enhance the transport and service of Umrah and Hajj pilgrims, as well as visitors to the Prophet’s Mosque and Islamic historical sites. Saudia is committed to increasing its market share in the Hajj and Umrah sector, recognizing Indonesia as one of the largest Islamic markets for travel. These efforts also contribute to achieving the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, aiming to host 30 million Umrah pilgrims by 2030. The expansion of Saudia’s destinations aligns with its largest fleet modernization and growth program. The fleet currently includes 144 aircraft, with plans to add 103 more in the coming years. This is complemented by numerous other initiatives aimed at enhancing the guest travel experience using the latest advancements in aviation.

SAUDIA has topped the list of global airlines for on-time performance, according to a report by the independent aviation tracking site Cirium for June 2024. The report indicates that Saudia achieved an on-time arrival rate of 88.22% and an on-time departure rate of 88.73%, operating 16,133 flights across its network of over 100 destinations on four continents. This achievement is particularly notable given that June is a peak travel month due to the Hajj and summer travel seasons. His Excellency Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, highlighted, “This accomplishment is a realization of our strategic goals to enhance operational efficiency and quality through continuous improvements in flight scheduling and the implementation of the best digital solutions and systems for operations management. Maintaining a high level of on-time performance requires significant effort, as it involves overcoming numerous operational challenges in the aviation industry, such as weather conditions, high temperatures, technical issues, and other airport-related factors. I express my gratitude to all Saudia employees for their diligent work in maintaining the national flag carrier’s operational excellence.” Saudia has consistently been among the top ten global airlines for on-time performance since last year, demonstrating its commitment to providing the highest standards of quality and air safety. Its operations are managed through the largest Integrated Operation Control Center (IOCC) of its kind in the Middle East, which operates within a comprehensive system involving all sectors and group companies. Additionally, the center utilizes the latest technologies for aircraft communications, ensuring smooth operations by monitoring all procedures related to aircraft takeoff and landing in real time at all domestic and international stations.

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 …