Saudi Arabian flag carrier SAUDIA recorded an impressive boost to its operational plan for the Summer 2023 period, allocating over 7.4 million seats on domestic and international routes during the peak summer weeks in July and August. This is a 10% increase compared to a similar period in 2022.
The Saudi Arabian airline witnessed a 10% increase in this year’s period compared to the relatively quieter 2022. The Skyteam carrier is expected to operate more than 32.400 flights, which reflects a 4% increase relatively.
The increase in capacity aims to meet high demand during peak season and ensure smooth and sound operations. The airline is also ensuring its IT systems are up and running to ensure seamless reservations for both scheduled and seasonal destinations minimizing hiccups at airports.
International flights on SAUDIA provide more than 4.2 million seats, which is achieving a 16% increase.
Moreover, the airline is introducing over 14,800 flights reflecting a 15% increase. On domestic routes, over 3.2 million seats will be available through 17,600 flights.
Always ready
CEO of SAUDIA Captain Ibrahim Koshy also acknowledged the airline’s extensive experience in handling busy operations throughout the year. The airline is no stranger to extreme peak seasons during the famed Hajj season.
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Moreover, the airline’s plan includes increasing flights, and seat capacity, and introducing seasonal destinations to meet passengers, while at the same time keeping and raising on-board standards.
The CEO also took in the fact that there are still major headwinds facing the aviation industry. Though the nightmare of the pandemic is now on the path, many airlines are facing a capacity crunch.
SAUDIA is now preparing for the upcoming Hajj pilgrims from Makkah. The airline has implemented comprehensive standard operating procedures and the airline is more than confident in ensuring smooth operations for the summer season and the much anticipated Hajj event.
The airline is able to manage its fleet so efficiently, thanks to its young and sleek fleet of Boeing and Airbus, and also an excellent engineering team from Saudia Aerospace Engineering Industries (SAEI) to maintain its aircraft.
Always expanding
Earlier this year, the airline group announced the addition of 25 new international destinations, ranging from Europe to Asia, which will inevitably expand its network to over 100 destinations globally.
Moreover, the airline’s membership in Skyteam allows travelers to fly even to greater destinations, connecting Saudi Arabia to the greater world.
With SAUDIA being a part of the SkyTeam alliance, passengers have access to more than 1,000 destinations in 170 countries and over 790 first-class and business-class designated lounges worldwide.
With Riyadh Air launching in due course, can SAUDIA retain its stronghold in Riyadh, or to an extent Jeddah? With stiffer competition up ahead, the airline may find it hard to record capacity or demand growth.
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