JEDDAH, 30 September — Dr. Khaled ibn Bakr, director general of Saudi Arabian Airlines, has accused some travel agents of stealing away its international passengers by increasing the sales of foreign airlines.
“Some agents make bogus reservations, increasing the number of no-show of passengers booked by them to three million in a single year,” he told a conference of travel and tourism agents on Saturday.
The Saudia chief said some agents were also delaying payment of their dues. He said Saudia provided its agents necessary support, modern systems, flight schedules, more seats and training services.
Bakr disclosed that the airline was planning to raise the commission of those travel agents who make efforts to increase their sales year after year.
At present, travel agents receive 10 percent on international tickets and four percent on domestic tickets.
The move aims at encouraging travel agents to increase sales, especially on international routes.
Bakr indicated that the new commission scheme would take effect within two months.
Sales of travel agents account for 65 percent of Saudia’s revenues. More than 300 travel and tourism agents took part in the conference.
Dr. Bakr ruled out retrenchment of Saudi staff after the proposed privatization of the airline. Saudia employs about 24,000 people, mostly Saudis.
“Saudia is making steady and balanced growth in its revenues. It has an ambitious program for the catering sector,” he said.
He also disclosed the airline’s plan to reorganize its cargo section to increase its revenues. Saudia is also making plans to transport about one million pilgrims a year. “This will also increase the airline’s revenues considerably,” he added.
