RIYADH, 28 February 2007 — Sama Air would give 10,000 free seats to those who do online booking for their travel plans in the Kingdom on www.flysama.com, its chairman, Prince Bandar ibn Khaled Al-Faisal, said at a press conference here yesterday. The booking started on Monday night and will remain open for the next two days for free seats. Subsequently, they will be for sale. The inaugural flight has been set for March 18.
Bandar also expressed his deep regret over the terrorist attack in Madain Saleh, near Madina, on Monday, but said he had full confidence in the ability of Saudi security forces to track down the culprits.
Referring to the terrorist attack in which three French expatriates were killed, he said the incident, painful though it was, would not have much of an impact on the airline industry. “The security measures here are of international standards. We have no doubt whatsoever that all security measures will be in place for the safety of the passengers.”
According to Andrew Cowen, chief executive officer of Sama, the destinations on offer include Dammam, Riyadh, Jeddah, Madina and Gizan.
“We at Sama are delighted that we can celebrate the launch of our airline with a once in a lifetime free flights offer,” he said, adding that “our business is built around our ‘Simply Fly’ strapline, a focus on delivering a simpler travel experience designed around you, our customer. Our vision is based on delivering simply lower fares, more choices in how to book and pay and more convenient service across the whole customer journey.” “Even at our normal prices,” he continued, “you can fly from Dammam to Riyadh for as little as SR99. For these low fares, Sama customers will enjoy one of the 148 seats in a single class Boeing 737 aircraft cabin which is maintained to the highest international standards by SR Technics, a world class aircraft maintenance company.”
Initially, the flights will operate on Dammam-Jeddah, Dammam-Riyadh, Dammam-Madina and Dammam-Gizan sectors. Sama will also fly on the Riyadh-Jeddah, Riyadh-Madina and Riyadh-Gizan sectors. Asked about the fare structure once the promotional offer of SR99 on the Dammam-Riyadh sector expires, Andrew said that even then it will be cheaper than the normal air fare.
The CEO explained that free inflight catering and other unnecessary complimentary services have been eliminated and replaced by an inflight menu available for sale to passengers during flights.
He said the cheapest fares would be available to passengers who book in advance. Once a Sama seat is purchased, passenger seats are guaranteed with no need for reconfirmation. There are no waitlists, no overbooking, no need for reconfirmation. “All Sama seats are non-refundable because these seats are guaranteed — but at these affordable prices everyone can travel more often.”
Sama has signed up several key suppliers to make sure that safety and world class experience underpin the airline. Besides SR Technics, which will look after aircraft maintenance, Sama has also concluded a deal with Mango Aviation, to benefit from its extensive airline management experience.