National carrier Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia), carried 17 million passengers across its domestic and international network during the first half of 2018.

As a result, the carrier’s passenger rate increased by 8 per cent and overall, the number of flights increased by 4 per cent, compared to the same period in 2017.

Passenger traffic grew by 3.7 per cent for domestic and international passenger numbers grew by 12 per cent.

Saudia’s operating performance has recorded ongoing growth in line with the objectives and initiatives of the SV2020 Transformation Program, which was launched in mid-2015.

These initiatives altogether form the largest programme in the history of the airline, which is aimed at growing the carrier’s fleet to reach 200 airplanes by the end of 2020, as well as introducing a new range of product and services enhancements.

In less than three years, Saudia received more than 70 brand new state-of-the-art aircraft.

The introduction of new aircraft in the Saudia fleet has contributed to the airline reaching its strategic objectives, by adding seat capacity on domestic sectors, as well as expanding its international operations.

Saudia has grown its flight network this year to operate new non-stop flights to a mix of business and leisure international destinations, namely Vienna, Moscow, Malaga and Izmir.

Saudia director general, Engineer Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, said that the carrier continued to achieve an increase in growth rates in its operating flights during the first half of 2018, which reflects the overall growth in the airline and subsidiary companies and strategic business units.

He noted that the introduction of new aircraft to the fleet and operating the fleet at optimal levels have played a key role in supporting the operating plan of the carrier during the current high season. He added that increasing capacity in the domestic market has been a continued focus; ensuring seats are available for a growing traveller base.

Moreover, he stated that Saudia’s fleet is growing substantially (double-digits in a single year), and as a result, flies one of the youngest fleets in the skies. - TradeArabia News Service