Saudia Arabian Airlines has celebrated its 60th anniversary. The airline is now one of the world’s largest, carrying more than 16 million passengers a year and having a fleet of more than 100 aircraft. These impressive numbers should not fool anyone — certainly not airline officials. The sector is facing fresh competition from companies in the region and this competition is going to increase rather than decrease. Saudia’s monopoly in the local market will not last for long. There is a need for considerable improvement in the airline’s services. It should improve the management of its resources.
According to a press statement from UAE’s Emirates, the airline carried more than 12 million passengers last year. Established only 20 years ago, Emirates now ranks second in terms of profits and 20th in airline size. It began service with two rented aircraft in 1985; the aircraft flew to only three destinations: Karachi, Bombay and Delhi. Emirates officials are planning carefully; they have a clear vision and clear goals. It would not be surprising or unexpected if Emirates exceeds Saudia in a year or two. Though the UAE has a population of only two million, it supports three airlines, none of which — unlike Saudia — enjoy a monopoly.
A few years ago, Saudia decided to restructure the company and it brought in experienced international companies to transform it into a profitable institution that will be able to compete with other international carriers. Instead of improving and achieving growth, however, the service has not become better and complaints are more numerous than ever. The airline was, in fact, unable to fulfill travelers’ basic needs during the last summer vacation and also during Ramadan.
We want our national carrier to be the best in terms of services and profits but this cannot be achieved without hard work and incentives. The airline will face strong competition in the local market where they have traditionally enjoyed a monopoly. Customers nowadays, including Saudis themselves, search for the lowest airfares and the best service. Saudia at present provides neither. We would like to see them at least competing in terms of both.
