Saudia takes delivery of 84 planes over five years

Dhaka: Saudi's national carrier Saudia has received delivery of 84 aircraft over the past five years as the airline has modernised its fleet and adapted its operations as part of the SV 2020 Transformation Programme.

Saudia's Assistant DG for Communications said at a press conference in Jeddah that the programme, launched in sync with Saudi's Vision 2030, has increased efficiency and developed services across the business.

"SAUDIA has always been keen to develop products on board of its flights, starting from developing food menu, offering a new package of comfort sets with signatures of world designers, increasing the hours of the entertainment system ... in addition to providing the Internet service for all the guests of SAUDIA," Khaled Bin Abdulqader said.

The carrier said its fleet expansion programme has seen SAUDIA rank among the most modern fleets in the world.

In March 2021, SAUDIA secured USD 3 billion of finance to purchase 73 new aircraft, marking the largest funding deal in the airline's history. SAUDIA has ordered 20 Airbus A321neo aircraft, 15 A321XLRs and 30 A320neos as well as eight Boeing 787-10s.

Tash said that SAUDIA has introduced new jobs in airline services, such as airline chef, butler and assistant cabin flight attendant, in addition to holding intensified and specialised training programmes for cabin crew to offer "the best services".

Tash also said that SAUDIA had kept pace with the digital transformation through developing the infrastructure of booking and sales systems via offering a comprehensive digital experience.

SAUDIA is cooperating with a number of ministries in Saudi Arabia to ensure greater income from tourists and pilgrims.