Days after announcing the group's operational ambitions to fly to 25 additional foreign destinations across three continents, SAUDIA, the national flag airline of Saudi Arabia, operated its first direct route to Dar es Salaam in the United Republic of Tanzania. The purpose of this announcement is to make the most of the new aircraft that will be added to SAUDIA's fleet while bringing the world to the Kingdom. The first-ever SAUDIA flight SV 463 from Jeddah to Dar es Salaam departed from King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah this morning at 1:15 AM. At the departure gate, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was staged to mark the event, and departing visitors received mementos. A celebration was held at the Alfursan International Lounge in the presence of the King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah's government officials, Mr. Arved Nikolaus Von Zur Muhlen, the Chief Commercial Officer of SAUDIA, and Mr. Habibu Awesi Mohamed, the Consul General of the Republic of Tanzania in Jeddah.
A water salute was given after SAUDIA's Airbus A320 touched down at Julius Nyerere International Airport around 6:15 AM. In the meantime, a different celebration was held at Julius Nyerere International Airport to mark the departure of the first flight, SV 462, from Dar es Salaam to Jeddah. Attendees included the Tanzanian Minister of Work and Transport, MHE. Prof. Makame Mnyaa Mbarawa; the Saudi Deputy Ambassador for Tanzania, Mr. Fahad Alharbi; and the Ambassador of the United Republic of Tanzania in Riyadh, H.E.
In accordance with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 objective of increasing the number of visitors to Saudi Arabia, Mr. Arved Muhlen said: "The expansion of SAUDIA's operations and the launch of new direct flights to Dar es Salaam strengthen the relations between the Kingdom and the United Republic of Tanzania and will provide a seamless experience for Hajj and Umrah guests from Tanzania. Saudai is constantly working to expand its reach and enhance the travel experiences of its passengers, he continued.
On Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday of each week, SAUDIA will offer flights between Jeddah and Dar es Salaam. This will be included in SAUDIA's vast international route network, which now includes more than 100 destinations on four continents. SAUDIA's new route will make even more use of its sizable fleet of 142 aircraft, providing passengers with a variety of practical check-in options, first-rate onboard amenities, and a relaxing flying experience that demonstrates the flag carrier's dedication to excellence.
