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Tag: airline

  • Saudia ranked first for on-time departure

    Saudia ranked first for on-time departure

    Saudia has been ranked first globally in departure on-time performance (OTP) with a punctuality rate of 88.82pc.

    According to a report by the independent aviation tracking site Cirium, the airline achieved this distinction with a narrow margin of 0.35pc from the first place in arrival OTP.

    Complementing this achievement, Saudia also ranked second globally in arrival on-time performance, achieving a rate of 86.35pc.

    “We are proud to sustain excellence in global operational performance, which aligns with the objectives of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy and the National Aviation Sector Strategy. This achievement reflects the collective efforts of Saudia Group employees across all business units and highlights the integrated role played by various sectors in ensuring operational efficiency. These efforts are directly tied to enhancing and improving the guest experience,” said Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group.

    Over the past 12 months, the airline successfully operated 192,560 flights across its network of over 100 destinations spanning four continents.

    “Throughout the year, our operational plans, especially during peak seasons, demonstrated our ability to overcome challenges while optimally utilizing resources, including our modern and expanding fleet and predictive digital systems powered by artificial intelligence, all of which contribute to on-time flight performance,” he added.

    In 2024, Saudia ranked first in On-Time Performance three times during the months of June, July, and November.

    Al-Omar says the airline remains committed to upholding the highest standards of global quality and aviation safety while offering unique services, products, and initiatives aimed at enhancing the travel experience across all service touchpoints. Saudia continues to leverage the latest technologies and solutions in the aviation industry.

    Currently, Saudia operates over 530 daily flights, connecting more than 100 destinations across four continents to Saudi Arabia with a modern fleet of 144 aircraft.

    This operation contributes to achieving the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, particularly in the sectors of tourism, entertainment, sports, and pilgrimage.

    As part of its ambitious growth strategy, Saudia plans to expand its fleet with 130 new aircraft in the coming years, increasing both flight frequency and seat capacity to existing destinations while introducing new destinations to its network.

  • Saudi ferries one million pilgrims during Hajj

    Saudi ferries one million pilgrims during Hajj

    Saudia Group has said it transported at least one million pilgrims during the Hajj Season to more than one hundred destinations worldwide.

    According to the group, its low-cost carrier flyadeal, contributed significantly by transporting more than 70,000 pilgrims and operating 440 flights while Saudia Airlines operated 5000 flights during the Hajj 1445H season.

    “We will continue advancing pilgrim services, evaluating feedback to enhance their spiritual experiences with cutting-edge digital technologies. We aim to provide the best solutions to facilitate procedures, making the Hajj journey smoother from start to finish,” said Amer Alkhushail, CEO of Saudia Hajj and Umrah.

    Across the 74-day Hajj operations, Saudia operated at full capacity with its fleet of 144 aircraft, as well as 14 additional aircraft dedicated to Hajj flights.

    Travellers also accessed seamless digital booking, diverse meal options, prayer announcements, and informative inflight content.

    “Additionally, we’re expanding our flight network to accommodate more pilgrims, supported by our comprehensive seat retrofit program. As the current Hajj 1445H season concludes, we have immediately commenced the planning for the upcoming Hajj 1446H season,” added Alkhushail.

    Saudi Logistics Services (SAL), the primary cargo handler for various airlines at the Kingdom’s air terminals, provided essential logistics solutions and intermodal transport connections during the Hajj Season operations. SAL managed 3.4 million cargo shipments, totaling 76 million kg in weight, and operated 14.2 thousand flights, serving 59 airlines.

    Saudi Ground Services (SGS), renowned for ground handling and airport solutions, contributed to the successful Hajj season, serving 12.7 thousand flights and 2.2 million guests, and managing 4.6 million pieces of luggage during arrival and departure.

    CATRION which specialized in luxury hospitality and airline catering, served more than 7.7 million meals onboard.

    Saudia Technic played a crucial role in ensuring operational excellence through aircraft maintenance, repair, and renovation services. Their operations spanned across 21 stations, with 22.6 thousand spare parts provided, 4.5 thousand maintenance hours logged, and 134 technicians deployed.