Saudi Arabian Airlines - Investment Club

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Saudi Arabia aspires to become the fifth-largest aviation hub in the world!

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is actively implementing a comprehensive development plan in the aviation field, aiming to continuously improve airline services and airports to become the fifth largest aviation hub in the world.

The establishment of Saudi Arabian Airlines dates back to 1945. When it marked the first aviation movement in the airspace of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Later, when the Ministry of Defense was established in 1946 under the leadership of Prince Mansour bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, King Abdulaziz issued an order to establish Saudi Arabian Airlines and made it a government entity under the Ministry of Defense. Later in 1963, it became an independent corporation with legal personality according to a royal decree issued by King Faisal. Major General Ibrahim Al-Tassan managed the airline from 1946 to 1960, and in our current era, it is managed by Ibrahim Al-Omar. 

Saudi Arabian Airlines holds a 5-star airline rating and is a member of the Arab Air Carriers Organization. It is also the first member of the SkyTeam alliance from the Middle East since 2012 and has codeshare agreements with many international airlines. The airline operates from King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah as its main hub. Over the years, Saudi Arabian Airlines has witnessed significant developments and innovations, becoming one of the most important airlines in the Middle East and the world. It even owns a massive fleet of the latest aircraft models, supporting different types according to its operational strategy for domestic, regional, and international flights. In fact, it was the first airline in the world to operate the Airbus A330-300 aircraft on more than 500 flights per day. The Saudi Arabian Airlines Corporation includes a number of subsidiaries that have contributed to the qualitative leap in the Kingdom's aviation sector, achieving the highest increase in international air connectivity, reaching the 13th position in 2023.

Some of the notable subsidiaries are:

Flyadeal: In 2016, the latest low-cost airline in the Kingdom, Flyadeal, was established to meet the growing demand for economical air travel in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East. It serves as the economic arm of Saudi Arabian Airlines and was launched as part of the SV2020 transformation strategy, aiming to develop and elevate the services of all its subsidiaries to the level of global companies by 2020. The first flight of Flyadeal took place on September 23, 2017, from Jeddah to Riyadh, coinciding with the celebrations of the Saudi National Day (87th).
Saudi Arabian Airlines Catering: In 1981, Saudi Arabian Airlines Catering was established and has witnessed rapid expansion over 35 years, extending its operations to both local and international markets. The company has intensified its efforts to enhance continuous improvement, innovation, and streamlining operations to meet the growing demand and achieve operational efficiency. Its operations cover a wide range of support services and hospitality services for customers from airlines and other prominent companies in various sectors. In 2012, The Company's shares were offered for Initial Public Offering (IPO) with 24,600,000 ordinary shares, representing 30% of the company's share capital at a price of SAR 54 per share
Saudi Private Aviation: In 2008, Saudi Private Aviation, a leading Saudi company in the private aviation field, was established. Its headquarters are located in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and it comprises a large number of experts in private aviation solutions. It offers a wide range of services, including aircraft leasing, marketing, sales management, and private flight management.
Prince Sultan Aviation Academy: In 2004, the Prince Sultan Aviation Academy was established as the official aviation school of Saudi Arabian Airlines. Its aim is to become a major national, regional, and global contributor to the development of aviation science and to help localize the aviation industry.

The Saudi Arabian Airlines Journey

In the realm of success stories, the tale of Saudi Arabian Airlines commenced in 1945. This marked the inaugural leap for aviation within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with a humble beginning of a single aircraft. This aircraft was a gift from President Franklin D. Roosevelt of the United States to King Abdulaziz Al Saud (may God have mercy on him). It was dedicated to commencing passenger transport between Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dhahran. Subsequently, King Abdulaziz ordered the acquisition of additional aircraft to bolster the air transport sector within the Kingdom.

Establishment of Saudi Airlines (1946):

The Foundation was established in 1946 and its slogan was (SDI) and was affiliated to the Ministry of Defense and Aviation
At the time Saudi Arabian Airlines was the first airline in the Middle East to own jet aircraft, which made it outperform its competitors in the Middle East.

Independence of the Foundation (1963):

A royal decree was issued in 1963 that gave Saudi Airlines independence under the name "General Authority of Saudi Arabian Airlines."

Official Identity (1972):

The Foundation adopted the name "Saudia" as an official name in 1972.
Changed the colors of the aircraft fleet from green and black to green and blue to update the mental image of the company.

Among the greatest achievements (1973):

In 1973, Saudi Arabian Airlines transported for the first time one million passengers in one year on its flights.

Development and opening of airports (1981):

King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah was officially opened in 1981.
Saudi Arabia established the first catering units in Jeddah to prepare meals for its flights and those of other airlines.

Service Development (1994):

In 1994, Saudi Arabian Airlines identified special phones to cancel passenger reservations.
The foundation was able to improve the passenger experience by choosing their seats and meals in advance.

Continuous development (2002–present)

In 2002, it established the Gold Lounge for Business and First-Class passengers.
The European Federal Aviation Authority's license for aircraft maintenance was obtained in 2003.
The SMS service for travelers was launched in 2011.

Special Needs Support (2019):

In 2019, The Yasser service was launched for people with special needs to obtain discounts and facilitate booking and issuance processes.

Digital Transformation and Identity Update (2023):

Introducing the new identity of the Saudi Group with the slogan "For Us, the Sky".
In 2023, Saudi Airlines developed artificial intelligence technology in the digital transformation project, where it provided a virtual assistant called "Saudia" to improve the customer experience and facilitate reservations and travel.

Saudi Arabian Airlines' main program

Alfursan (loyalty program) program is a loyalty program offered by Saudi Arabian Airlines to its discerning customers. The program is characterized by providing benefits and privileges to its members, where they can benefit from Saudi Airlines offers as well as receive miles of rewards and various services.

Program Features

Using the Al Forsan program, its members can take advantage of the Al Fursan lounges equipped with the latest amenities and entertainment. These lounges include a meeting room and a varied dining hall, where members can enjoy the facilities provided and relax before their flight. Furthermore, after Saudi Arabian Airlines joined the SkyTeam alliance, Alfursan members received Sky priority services at all member airlines. This allows them to enjoy special privileges and benefits on their flights with these airlines participating in the alliance.

Objectives of the program
Alfursan program aims to honor and reward distinguished customers and enhance their loyalty to Saudi Airlines. The program provides opportunities for customers to benefit from premium services and high-end facilities, contributing to an enjoyable and comfortable travel experience.

The most important awards and recognitions obtained by Saudi Airlines

Saudi Arabian Airlines has received the prestigious award for 'The Most Advanced Airline in the World for the year 2021' as part of the Skytrax Awards, recognizing the performance and services of airline companies.
In 2021, Saudi Arabian Airlines achieved the (APEX) Diamond rating for being one of the safest and healthiest airlines.
Saudi Arabian Airlines topped the YouGov ranking for the best brands in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 2021.
In 2023, APEX crowned Saudi Arabian Airlines as one of the best airlines in the service and safety systems category.

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Prepared by:

Leen Naif Al-juraied
Dema Alsharef
Areen Algashami