JEDDAH, 1 May 2006 — Saudi Arabian Airlines will take part in the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) scheduled in Dubai from May 2-5. This will provide a unique opportunity for the airline to showcase its achievements as part of its drive for modernization and progress. A strong testimony to the airline’s commitment and continuous progress in implementing its strategic plan backed by intelligent market research is the $400 million self-financed agreement for the purchase of 15 Embraer aircraft. This confirms the airline’s far-sighted vision and sound economic decisions. It has achieved unprecedented revenues in the past few years, marking a historical milestone for the airline.
Saudi Arabian Airlines Director General Dr. Khaled A. Ben-Bakr said that the airline carried more than 16.8 million passengers in 2005 while revenues reached SR14.5 billion in 2005. Dr. Ben-Bakr added that the airline made a series of achievements at various levels in 2005, which included a quantum leap in cargo services where the airline carried 287 million kg consignments. The airline also increased its seating capacity on both domestic and international flights.
He also highlighted the airline’s keen interest in developing its electronic based services such as SMS messaging on flight information, electronic ticketing, e-payment and electronic boarding pass dispensing. Dr. Ben-Bakr added that the number of the airline’s stations connected to the international luggage search system increased to 80 domestic and international stations. Furthermore, the airline developed its services for pilgrims by increasing its operational capabilities. In 1426 H, the airline carried 1,004,764 pilgrims on both its arrival and departure flights making it the largest number in its history. As for Umrah, Saudi Arabian Airlines carried 1,932,000 Umrah performers from 65 international stations.
According to him, the Saudi Arabian Airlines Catering, which is one of he most vital service sectors of the airline, grew by leaps and bounds producing more than 19 million meals served on more than 99,000 flights with 100 percent on-time delivery rates conforming to the highest health standards. Saudi Arabian Airlines Catering provides services to more than 50 international airlines and maintains high standards of quality control utilizing state-of-the-art equipment employed internationally in the airline catering business.