Singapore, REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE – Saudi Arabian Airlines (SAUDIA) the national flag carrier of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, received an award for ‘Asia Pacific Airline Turnaround of the Year’ at the Centre for Aviation Awards for Excellence (CAPA) gala in Singapore.
In attendance at the awards ceremony to receive the accolade was Chief Executive Officer Mr. Jaan Albrecht and Vice President of Corporate Communications of Saudi Arabian Airlines, Mr. Fahad Bahdailah.
The award was judged on the basis of an existing airline that has turned around through innovative strategic changes and/or a restructuring exercise.
SAUDIA was selected for its successful transformation, which has resulted in significant efficiency improvements, in-flight product upgrades, fleet renewal and an accelerated growth rate.
Saudi Arabia’s national flag carrier embarked on an ambitious transformation programme three years ago aimed at improving its efficiency and product. The airline has since taken delivery of more than 70 aircraft, resulting in a young new fleet with new in-flight products and onboard services and culinary offerings. SAUDIA now has one of the youngest fleets in the world, with an average age of less than five years.
This year SAUDIA has moved into a new terminal at its Jeddah hub for domestic operations, which will grow to include international flights next year. SAUDIA’s new strategy includes pursuing more sixth freedom traffic and inbound tourism as the airline expands its international operation.
More than twelve international destinations have been launched in the last two years while capacity has been added to several existing destinations.
“SAUDIA has been totally transformed and has emerged as a strong network airline with a well-executed dual brand strategy,” said CAPA Executive Chairman, Mr. Peter Harbison. “SAUDIA is well positioned to benefit from a booming local market as Saudi Arabia’s youthful population travel more frequently and as the kingdom diversifies, becoming a major tourist and business destination.”
Flying to more than 90 destinations worldwide, with a modern, mixed fleet of 155 narrow and widebody aircraft, SAUDIA’s fleet is set to grow to more than 200 aircraft by 2020.
In addition, flyadeal Saudi Arabian Airlines Corporation’s low-cost subsidiary, was also presented with an accolade at the CAPA Aviation Awards. CEO of flyadeal Mr. Con Korfiatis was at the event to receive the award for: 2018 CAPA Asia Pacific Start-up of the Year.
flyadeal has been created to meet the growing demand for affordable air travel in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East, and the airline operates an initial fleet of 8 brand new A320s in a single-class configuration.