REPUBLIC OF MAURITIUS
Saudi Arabian Airlines (SAUDIA) announces the start of services to the Republic of Mauritius, with the first flight touching down yesterday afternoon, providing a direct link between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the island nation.
The new holiday destination has joined the airline’s network as its 87th destination.
Flight SV481 landed at 16:00 hrs local time and was welcomed by a traditional water salute upon arrival at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (MRU).
The VIP delegation onboard the maiden flight included, the Ambassador of the Republic of Mauritius to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, His Excellency Mohamed Latona; Director General of Saudi Arabian Airlines, His Excellency Eng. Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser; distinguished members of the travel trade and media from Saudi Arabia, as well as airline executives.
Greeting the aircraft upon arrival were: the Vice Prime Minister of Mauritius, the Honourable Showkutally Soodhun; H.E Ghorm Said Malhan, The Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the Republic of South Africa and the Republic of Mauritius; Director of Civil Aviation, Mr. Iswarduth Pokhun; Chief Executive Officer of the Airport of Mauritius, Mr. Romesh Bhoyroo; Chief Executive Officer of Rogers Aviation Mr. Alexandre Fayd’herbe de Maudave; and Chief Executive Officer of Mauritius Airport Terminal Operations (ATOL), Mr. Joel Genty.
The first commercial flight departed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the early hours today, with a very good load of both business and leisure travelers.
The new route is expected to generate interest from holiday makers from Saudi Arabia, as well as the wider Middle East region and beyond, connecting through King Abdul Aziz International Airport in Jeddah.
An airport ceremony took place at the airport’s event venue, the receptorium, with more than 100 guests in attendance, including dignitaries, local travel trade and media. Traditional folklore entertainment, speeches, gift exchanges, local cuisine and hospitality was on display, providing guests with a warm welcome to the new partnership with Saudi Arabia’s national carrier.
During the speeches at the inauguration arrival ceremony, honorary guests hailed the benefits that will arise with the opening of the new route, including strengthening economic development opportunities and providing a convenient travel option for religious traffic into Saudi Arabia for Hajj and Umrah visits.
Director General of Saudi Arabian Airlines, His Excellency Eng. Saleh bin Nasser Al Jasser remarked how the new route is complementary to the accelerated transformation plan currently underway at the airline as part of its SV2020 Vision, which includes major expansion plans across all facets of its operations:
“We are pleased to open this channel of friendship with Mauritius, enabling greater cooperation and create new business opportunities. SAUDIA’s flights to Mauritius will provide a new travel option for our guests, and a new leisure destination to explore and enjoy.”
Continued Eng. Al-Jasser: “The SV2020 Vision is about growth, technological advancements, modernizing and expanding the fleet. We are fully committed to delivering best-in-class service to our valued guests.”
The Vice-Prime Minister, Minister of Housing and Lands, Hon. Showkutally Soodhun, GCSK commented on the new route:
“I am grateful to SAUDIA, the national carrier airline of Saudi Arabia for having chosen Mauritius as a new route. These new direct flights will increase air connectivity, flexibility and convenience for passengers of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Mauritius. At the same time, the operations of Saudi Arabian Airlines in Mauritius will give an additional lift to trade and tourism. It is expected that Mauritian travelers will make the most of the new services of SAUDIA,”
“While in Mauritius, we look forward to welcome all guests who will choose the country either as a tourist or business destination. I am confident that there is huge potential for closer ties between the Kingdom and Mauritius, covering a wide range of topics from trade and finance to tourism and cultural exchanges. I wish Saudi Arabian Airlines every success with its new service to Mauritius and look forward to stronger bilateral links between our two countries.”
SAUDIA was named the 2017 ‘World’s Most Improved Airline of the Year’ by Skytrax at the World Airline Awards at the Paris Air Show this past June.
The three-times-weekly service is operating with a state-of-the-art Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner in a twoclass configuration of 24 fully-flat seats in Business Class and 274 seats in Guest Class.
All aircraft in SAUDIA’s fleet include its inflight entertainment and connectivity system, which includes Wifi services on board, and over 3000 hours of movies, television programs, games, music and more. All entertainment and Wifi facilities are available across every class of travel.
Mr. Alexandre Fayd’herbe de Maudave, CEO, Rogers Aviation expressed: “We are excited to partner with yet another SkyTeam member and have a long standing relationship with SAUDIA. We are looking forward to selling SAUDIA to Jeddah, Madinah and beyond.”
The total flying time is 9 hours from Riyadh and 7 hours 25 minutes from Jeddah.
Special introductory fares are available for purchase and can be obtained from the saudia.com website, or through the airline’s mobile app, through a travel agent or SAUDIA Holidays – the airline’s tourism division. Packages including flight, hotels and excursions can all be pre-arranged and booked through SAUDIA Holidays www.holidaysbysaudia.com