Saudia witnesses 21% yearly surge in passengers

Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) said it carried 30 million passengers in 2023, a 21 per cent increase compared to a year earlier, as the aviation industry in the kingdom is experiencing unprecedented growth on the back of the country’s economic prosperity.

The state-owned carrier operated 176,300 flights while transit flights registered 77 per cent growth compared to the year 2019.

It enhanced its operational model in 2023, focusing on increasing seat capacity, and flights frequency while fostering operational efficiency to achieve an overall on-time performance of 86.44 per cent.

The airline operated more than 79,400 international flights and transported over 16.7 million passengers through its international flight network, a 36 per cent increase from 2022.

Saudia registered a 26 per cent increase in flight hours with 382,000 flight hours in 2023.

Domestically, the airline carried more than 13.5 million passengers and operated 96,900 flights.

The national carrier currently operates flights to more than 100 destinations across four continents with a diverse fleet of 142 aircraft. It launched flights to several international destinations including Beijing, Birmingham, and Johannesburg.

“Saudia’s growing performance metrics reflect the optimal execution of our year-round operational plan, particularly during peak seasons,” said Captain Ibrahim Koshy, CEO of Saudia Group.

“Looking ahead, we anticipate a substantial expansion of our fleet, propelling our performance and marking a new chapter for Saudia since its inception, eighty-years ago.”

Saudia’s new brand identity

Meanwhile, Saudia unveiled its new brand identity in October, as part of its comprehensive transformation strategy which included the rebrand of Saudi Arabi’s flag carrier.

The airline said the rebranding is part of a wider digital transformation strategy aimed at strengthening its support for the National Aviation Strategy under Vision 2030.

The brand refresh marks the beginning of a new era, introducing innovative concepts in terms of customer services with a strong focus on digital aspects and enhancing the guest experience by celebrating Saudi culture.

The new brand identity comprised green, blue, and sand, representing Saudia’s aim to expand its fleet and destinations, connecting the world to Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia’s biggest airline is reportedly weighing options including a debut bond sale to fund new aircraft orders, as it prepares to almost double its fleet by 2030.

Saudia partnered with Riyadh Air, a new Saudi airline that was launched in March to buy as many as 121 Boeing 787 Dreamliners between the two carriers.

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