RIYADH: Saudi Telecom Company (STC) and Saudi Arabian Airlines yesterday signed an agreement to build robust commercial relations between both organizations through studies and exchange of information that will support each other’s activities and programs for the benefit of their customers.

Khalid Al-Mulhem, director general of Saudi Arabian Airlines, and Saud Al-Daweesh, president of STC, were the signatories to the agreement which was inked at the Al-Jawal headquarters here.

The main features of the agreement include the introduction of services provided by STC and Saudi Arabian Airlines in their respective outlets inside and outside the Kingdom; promotion and sale of pre-paid and post-paid cards; promotion and sale of recharge cards for pre-paid cards; and electronic recharging and other services to be introduced in Saudi Arabian Airlines flights and retail outlets. In addition, Al-Jawal services will be exclusively represented onboard Saudi Arabian flights on behalf of STC. The agreement also includes the development of a mechanism to mutually benefit from STC’s Qitaf and Saudi Arabian Airlines Al-Fursan loyalty programs. Explaining the salient features of the agreement, Al-Daweesh said it would open new vistas for mutual cooperation between STC and Saudi Arabian Airlines and mark the start of a series of new programs that will fulfill the joint ambitions of both the organizations to provide the best services for their customers.

Al-Daweesh added that the agreement reflects the wish of both parties to avail and sell their services according to the highest standards of quality for their customers. “ This pioneering step matches the growing needs of “Saudia” customers not only in the Kingdom but around the world.”

In his brief speech, Al-Mulhem said that yesterday’s deal has nothing to do with the current global financial crisis. “We have been studying this proposal for a long time,” he noted.

He also informed that the airline would buy 70 new aircraft between 2009 and 2010. STC and Saudi Arabian Airlines are among the leading companies in the region.