Development Continues

Abdullah M . Al -Ajhar VP Public Relations

We welcome all of you aboard our flights to destinations anywhere in the world.

We have great pleasure to inform you that this issue of your in-flight magazine, «Ahlan Wasahlan», includes a detailed report on Saudi Arabian Airlines receiving a A330 state-of-the-art Airbus aircraft, which is the first of eight A330s the Airline had ordered as part of a major deal to acquire 70 planes including A320s, A321s and A330s and Boeing 777s.

With the arrival of the first A330 at King Abdulaziz Airport in Jeddah earlier this month, the total number of new Airbus aircraft received by Saudi Arabian reached 11. Before the end of this year, five more new Airbus 330s and 23 A320s will join our fleet bringing the total new aircraft to 39. These new planes, equipped with advanced facilities, represent an important addition to the national carrier's fleet and would beef up its domestic and international network.

As our fleet modernization efforts are aimed at enhancing your comfort, Saudia has made it a point that the new aircraft should have the latest technological facilities and distinguished services that would make your journey on Saudia flights a wonderful experience. We consider your journey with us as an opportunity to extend you our hospitality.

The new twin-aisle A330 aircraft has 36 seats for Business Class and 262 seats for Guest Class and is provided with modern audiovisual entertainment systems in addition to suitable seats that are designed to maximize passenger comfort. Saudia passengers traveling on A330 will also be able to use Internet and cell phones for the first time in accordance with certain rules and regulations mentioned in the instruction manual, which they will see in the back pocket of the seat.

The A330 aircraft joined Saudia fleet soon after the Airline successfully migrated to Amadeus, the world’s most advanced passenger management system that allows passengers to complete all their travel procedures (such as seat reservation, ticket purchase using credit cards or Sadad system or ATMs, seat selection and boarding pass issuance) by themselves through the Internet and proceed straight to the airport. This system saves a lot of time and energy of passengers as they need not wait for long at ticket sales offices or passenger service counters at airports. Saudia expects that passengers would make use of and enjoy its new and advanced services that were made available to ensure their comfort and satisfaction.

Along with the arrival of new aircraft, one after another, Saudi Arabian Airlines will continue its efforts to develop and improve its services as this pioneering national organization is committed to extending the best possible services in order to win your confidence and appreciation. We believe that this is the real criteria for success.

May Allah help us in our endeavors.