JEDDAH, 13 June 2005 — Saudi Arabian Airlines signed a contract yesterday with Al-Shatei Business company to rent 23 new airport transfer buses with a capacity of 110 passengers each to transport travelers between airport lounges and aircraft at King Abdul Aziz International Airport in Jeddah. Deputy director of customer services at Saudia, Yusif Attiya, said that the investment in the buses is part of Saudia’s efforts at improving its services to its customers and provide the highest comfort levels to them throughout their travel experience. “These transfer buses are considered among the luxurious type used in a number of international airports. Saudia is working both to maintain its high standards of service it achieved in the past years and to provide the latest ground equipment, which plays an important role in processing the airline’s operations,” he said. The contract is to rent 23 airport transfer buses — and another five to be kept on standby — for three years. “The rental contract is for SR62 million. The German-made buses have began operating at King Abdul Aziz Airport,” said Ibrahim Murayia, director of Al-Shatei Business, to Arab News. He said that the buses were equipped to meet Saudia specifications. “They are high-tech with high standards of safety and security and comfort. They have wheelchair access and special considerations for the elderly,” he added. Al-Shatei is a private Saudi company established fifteen years ago with various business activities related to airport transport in the Kingdom. “The public bid for this contract was offered last year and our company is fortunate to win it. After the three-year contract is complete we hope it will be extended,” said Murayia.
