The first quarter of 2023 operational performance report for SAUDIA, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, showed a 35% rise in the number of passengers transported across its flight network compared to the same period last year. The airline carried 7 million passengers, including 3.2 million local passengers and 3.8 million foreign passengers, which is a huge 94% growth and reiterates SAUDIA's mission to link Saudi Arabia with the rest of the globe. SAUDIA's aircraft completed over 42,000 flights in Q1 2023, a 5% increase that produced over 127,500 flight hours and a 26% increase. The airline flew over 18,300 flights, an increase of 40%, and 87,300 flight hours, an increase of 55.2%. In addition, SAUDIA flew 23,600 domestic flights during the course of 40,100 flying hours.
"The growth achieved during Q1 of 2023 comes in line with SAUDIA's operational plan to increase its flights and seating capacity, considering operational efficiency and maintaining on-time performance," stated Captain Ibrahim Koshy, the CEO of SAUDIA. This was clear in the services offered, which improved the traveling experience and won the loyalty of more visitors from around the world. The most notable of them was the "Your Ticket, Your Visa" service, which made it simpler for visitors to enter the Kingdom by connecting transit visas with airplane tickets through a digital integration system.
"Saudai's flight network and top-notch services have helped the Kingdom expand completely in all respects, including by carrying tourists, visitors, and event organizers to numerous conferences, exhibitions, and events hosted there. As part of the Pilgrim Experience Program, SAUDIA has created an ambitious strategy to transport more pilgrims and establish a global connection with Saudi Arabia. Added he.
The operations of SAUDIA are anticipated to expand in the next few years. The airline will shortly receive its first Airbus A321neo, and additional deliveries of both the A321neo and A321XLR models are anticipated. In addition, SAUDIA completed its earlier order for Boeing 787 aircraft, intending to expand its fleet by 38 new aircraft by the year 2026. Additionally, the airline recently disclosed a new contract with Boeing for the delivery of 39 brand-new B787s, with an additional 10-aircraft option.
