JEDDAH, 13 September - Saudi Arabian Airlines is studying ways to limit the number of free tickets given to its 29,000 employees annually to one each, down from the present four.
The airline is likely to take a decision on the matter soon and implement it within a few weeks.
According to the new plan, Saudia will give one free ticket annually to its employees in addition to tickets at discounted rates of between 50 to 75 percent.
A personnel department official at the airline said Saudia has not yet taken a decision on the matter.
"There is a study being undertaken on the issue but there is no time frame for its implementation," he added.
An informed source said the move was aimed at halting the exploitation of free tickets and to bring more discipline to the organization.
Saudia started implementing a number of regulations last July to prepare its employees, estimated to number 25,000, for privatization.
The airline's rules and regulations presently allow its retired senior officials and crew members who have at least 15 years service and their families can get free first class tickets.
Retired officials below this rank get horizon class tickets, while the remaining employees and their families get guest class tickets.
The free tickets are received by the employees in the payroll as well as their wives, sons under the age of 18 and two unmarried daughters.
