Boeing delivers 777-300 jetliner to Saudia
Seattle, May 18, 2013
Boeing has announced the delivery of a 777-300ER (Extended Range) jetliner to Saudia, marking the latest milestone in its longstanding relationship with the Saudi national carrier and the Kingdom.
The airplane, the first of its type to be fitted with a three-class cabin configuration for Saudia, was delivered at a ceremony held in Everett, Washington.
Among those in attendance were Abdul Aziz Al-Hazmi, the deputy director general, Saudia, and Marty Bentrott, the vice president – Sales, Middle East, Russia & Central Asia, Boeing Commercial Airplanes.
Top executives of Boeing and Saudia as well as representatives from the media attended the ceremony.
Saudia currently has a backlog of 21 Boeing airplanes on order, including 13 777s and eight 787 Dreamliners.
“This latest addition to our fleet will feature our distinctive First, Business and Guest class cabins, allowing us to offer a full range of services tailored to our passengers’ specific needs,” remarked Abdul Aziz Al-Hazmi, deputy director general, Saudia.
"The Boeing 777-300ER, with its unrivalled fuel efficiency, reliability and passenger comfort, will form the backbone of our long-haul fleet, allowing Saudia to launch direct flights to Los Angeles and Toronto," he stated.
The Boeing 777-300ER is the largest long-range twin-engine commercial airplane in the world, bringing efficiency and reliability to the long-range market. The airplane carries 386 passengers up to 14,450 km.
Marty Bentrott, the VP (Sales) Middle East, Russia & Central Asia, Boeing Commercial Airplanes said Boeing and Saudia share a uniquely historical relationship.
"It was a DC-3 that was used to launch the airline in 1945; a Boeing 707 ushered it into the jet age in 1961 and, today, we’re proud of the pivotal role the Boeing 777 will play in Saudia’s ambitious expansion plans," he noted.
Their partnership dates back to 1945 when President Franklin D. Roosevelt presented a DC-3 Dakota airplane to King Abdulaziz Al-Saud, the founder of the Kingdom. The aircraft formed the basis for the launch of Saudia.
The airline took delivery of its first 777, a 777-200ER, in December 1997 and currently owns and operates 29 Boeing models.
“We look forward to building on our successful partnership and to continuing our unwavering support for Saudia’s long-term growth strategy,” he added.-TradeArabia News Service
