In order to bring you the best possible user experience, this site uses Javascript. If you are seeing this message, it is likely that the Javascript option in your browser is disabled. For optimal viewing of this site, please ensure that Javascript is enabled for your browser. News Archives
Home / About Us / Press Room / News Archives
Twitter Print Email Save plus minus

News Archives

 

 

H.H Prince Fahad Praises Training

 

H.H Prince Fahad Al-Abdullah, Assistant Minister of defense and Aviation and Inspector General for Civil Aviation Affairs has recently sent a cable of thanks and appreciation to H.E. The Director General for the achievements accomplished by Saudi Arabian Airlines Training and Development Department during 2007.

 

H.E. The DG in turn, conveyed his pride and the honor that he and his colleagues at the Airline have felt, receiving such praise from HH Prince Fahad.
The Training and Development Department have been engaged in several programs in 2007 which include the following:

 

Pioneers of the Future Program
Qualified university graduates were recruited and given intensive courses in Administration, Finance, Marketing, Information Technology and Leadership Skills, as well as specialized courses at IATA, in Aviation Marketing. They were also given practical training at Domestic and International Stations and Aircraft Manufacturing Plants.

 

Crew Leadership Training
A number of Cockpit Crew was chosen to be trained in administrative and leadership skills to enable them to take over flight operation jobs in the future.

 

Training Technical Services Staff
This program includes all technical staff and their assistants, who are trained in finance, cost reduction and aviation economics.

 

Training Program for Finance
This includes all Finance Sector Departments, Domestic and International, and aims at providing programs that hone the skills of Airline Personnel in Accounting, Secretarial Work, Information Technology and others.

 

Passenger Sales and Services Training
This program includes field training that aims at improving performance by developing personal skills, faster service and interpersonal relations.

 

Training New Recruits
To train 7490 recruits, 682 training courses were given in 2007.

 

Performance Management Program
This program aims at developing the necessary skills in performance assessment to gauge employee capabilities.

 

Finance Courses for Executives
A number of Finance course where provided to the Airline’s executives to help in perfecting their skill and assist in their decision making.

 

Miscellaneous Training Courses

  • Training in the Field of Customer Services
  • Training in Finance and Administration
  • On-job English Language Training

 

Privatization of the Prince Sultan Academy

Several meetings were held in this regard and a specialized company was chosen to assist in privatizing the Airline’s training sector, including the Academy. A committee headed by the Academy’s General Manager with representatives from Training and Development, Human Resources and Finance are currently meeting with the specialized company to finalize the matter.

 

 

Wednesday, February 27, 2007
SV Celebrates 45 Years in Dubai

 

Saudi Arabian Airlines (SV) has recently held a ceremony celebrating 45 years of operating its flights to Dubai. The festive event was held at the Grand Hyatt Hotel where a large number of attendees were present. The guests included HH Sheikh Ahmad Bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, President of Civil Aviation and CEO of Emirates Airlines and H.E. The Director General, Mr. Khalid A. Almolhem. Also attending were several SV executives, government officials in the United Arab Emirates and a number of businessmen, media personnel and representatives of tour operators and travel agencies.

 

Several presentations were given extolling the Airline's exceptional services and the spirit of cooperation it has shown in the region. Cordial speeches were also exchanged by the CEOs of both airlines. The ceremony was concluded by commendations honoring the best travel and government agencies in the area and the presentation of a memento gift by H.E. The DG to HH Sheikh Al-Maktoum.

 

 

Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Saudi Airlines launches new website

 

Jeddah – Saudi Arabian Airlines (SV) has launched its new website on Tuesday April 22, 2008 after some extensive upgrades and development. The new website aims at streamlining online booking for its travelers.
Eng. Khalid Almolhem, Director General of Saudi Arabian Airlines, launched the new website in a press conference held at Saudia’s headquarters in Jeddah.

 

Almolhem said the upgrade falls in line with the national airline’s information technology master plan to make use of the latest technology to raise the level of services, meet the customers’ requirements, and face increasing competition among global airlines.

 

“The website has been completely redesigned to serve as a comprehensive center for quick and integrated services, simplifying booking procedures and electronic payment, providing instant information on the various service packages, which include onboard services such as meals, audiovisual entertainment and publications, as well as competitive prices that Saudi Arabian Airlines is offering all year round,” said Almolhem. “Add to that the tourism packages and Al-Fursan services.”
He added that a new portal system was introduced to give the website a “global characteristic,” where customers can begin booking online in the language of their country of origin for any European or American destination, and soon all over the world.

 

“Customers will experience that Saudi Arabian Airlines is closer to them, offering quick and distinctive services,” said Almolhem. He added that the new website will reduce the pressure on the national carrier’s phone booking facility, and will also reduce human resource expenses.
“By making people do their booking online, we are saving a lot of money that used to be paid to employees.”

 

Prior to the official launch of the new website, Yousef Abdulgader Attiah, Saudia’s Vice President for Customer Services, took the media through a comprehensive presentation on the new website, including key components in terms of services and information, as well as future upgrades to enhance its competitive position.

 

Online booking on the new website can be done in five simple steps. Starting with selection of the travel destination, date and class, the client simply moves on to selecting flights via a comprehensive schedule, which appears on the webpage and includes a series of available flights, prices, and class. Step 3 is entering passenger data and selection of the method of payment, step 4 comprises entering any special data for electronic payment, and the final step is to get the printable e-ticket and receive the full details of the flights and the booking reference number.

 

Upgrading the website is only one part of the airline’s strategic development plan, which includes fleet upgrades, development of its technical infrastructure, and training programs. Privatization has already begun with the catering unit. The next division to be privatized is the cargo unit, and the rest of the sectors to follow.

 

 

Improved Onboard Services

 

Saudi Arabian Airlines has started implementing its new and improved onboard services program. This includes better meal presentations with more options to choose from and a variety of new dishes to suite different pallets. New improvements can also be discerned in the Airline's aircraft cabin interiors with state-of-the-art video displays and communication equipment. The amenities kit has also been improved after an extensive study on the different Sneeds of First and Business Class passengers on international flights. The choice for the designer items included in the "Gentlemen's Kit" rested on German made Etienne Aigner Bath & Body Products. The "Ladies' Kit" and "Infant Kit" are comprised of Italian made designer products by Salvatore Ferragamo. All toiletries included in these kits are good quality, long lasting products that can be used by passengers during their holidays after arriving at their destinations.

 

 

The Privatization of Technical Services

 

An agreement was signed by the Director-General H.E. Eng. Khaled Almelhem for a joint cooperation with Air France and KLM. This comes in the attempts for the Saudi Arabian Airlines to privatize the technical services sector, and to promote its great potential to become in the next few years one of the largest centers for the processing and maintenance of aircraft, engines, and spare parts, in the Middle East.

 

The agreement is aimed at reducing operating costs, and the development of performance standards and quality controls in the maintenance of aircrafts and engines sector. This will provide the Professional Services Sector an added value while serving both the Saudi Arabian Airlines and other airlines operating within the kingdom.

 

The internationally recognized Professional Services Sector possesses an experience that surpasses 45 years, with over 90% professional Saudi employees.

 

 

Tuesday, December 10, 2007
Governing Board Meeting

 

His Royal Highness Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz, Saudi Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Aviation, Inspector General, and Board Chairman of the Saudi Arabian Airlines Company, hosted the board meeting held at his office in the Ministry of Defense and Aviation on Tuesday 2nd of Hajj 1428, 10th of December 2007, in the presence of the Assistant Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General for Civil Aviation His Highness Prince Fahd bin Abdullah bin Mohammed Al-Saud, in addition to the members of the Governing Council.

 

During the meeting, the estimated budget for 2008 was reviewed, in addition to the approval of the financial statements and audit reports for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2006. The meeting hosted the signing ceremony for the purchase of (30) Airbus 320 aircrafts for the Saudi Arabian Airlines, of which (8) aircrafts were an optional purchase. The agreement was signed by his Excellency the Director General Khalid bin Abdullah Al-Bahrawi from the Saudi side and Mr. John Leahy Chief Executive Officer of the Airbus Company. The first shipment of the new fleet is expected to arrive in mid 2012, once the manufacturing process is completed, while the remaining aircrafts are expected to arrive in mid 2014. During the meeting, the company signed a "long-term" lease with General Electric Air Services for ten new Airbus 320 aircrafts; the hand over of these aircrafts is expected to take place in November 2009 and to be completed in October 2011. In addition, the Saudi Arabian Airlines signed a letter expressing their desire to hire ten planes of the same class with the "Gulf Wind" investment bank; we are currently expecting to receive these aircrafts at the beginning of April of 2009, and until July of 2010.

 

 

Monday, December 31, 2007
Four contracts to develop the information technology sector

 

Monday the 31st of December, 2007 witnessed the signing of four agreements between Saudi Arabian Airlines and SABRE Company; one of the largest international companies in the provision of technical programs for airlines. The agreements were signed by the Director General H.E. Eng. Khalid bin Abdullah Almolhem and the head of the Department of Products and Airline Solutions, Mr. Steve Klambet. The agreements included the purchase of the following programs: planning schedules, air operations and control operations, ground services, and freight revenues.

 

The signing of such agreement is part of the comprehensive plan to support and develop the information technology sector for the Saudi Arabia Airlines. It aim is to modernize its technical infrastructure to keep pace with radical transformations witnessed by the air transport industry.

 

The plan aims to optimize the use of the latest modern technology, in order to provide the highest level of customer service, and to enhance the Airlines’ competitive edge against other local and international airlines.

 


Monday, February 5, 2007 
Saudi Arabian Airlines (SV) launches first E-Ticket

 

On the 4th of February 2007, Saudi Arabian Airlines had officially announced its entry into the high tech era. By which H.E. Eng. Khalid Abdullah Almolhem, the Director General of Saudi Arabian Airlines, had finished the procedure for the first passenger carries an e-ticket on route JED-DMM-JED along with the annunciation for a conclusive phase in its long history.

 

The launching was held in the departure terminal in SV building, at the center of King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, and by the presence of H.E. and a number of SV executives, in addition of a crowd of journalists. The launching of the E-Ticketing project gave a new and different approach for tickets.

 

Keeping in mind, the other service that has been integrated in the E-Ticketing project, such as internet reservations, boarding pass self-service and voice recognizing system, which enable the passenger to check his reservation status and timetable for the flights.

 

 

Monday, January 1, 2007
SV launches Al-Fursan Golden Lounge

 

Under the patronage of HH Prince Fahad Al-Abdallah, Assistant Minister of Defense and Aviation for Civil Aviation Affairs, Saudi Arabian Airlines (SV) has launched the opening of Al-Fursan Golden Lounge at King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah on December 25th 2006. H.E. Mr. Khalid AlMolhim stated that this will be a great step towards providing better service for SV travelers. 

 

He also added that the new lounge will have improved facilities such as communication equipment, fax and telex machines and internet connections in addition to five star services that include food and beverages. 

 

Other Al-Fursan lounges will be refurbished and redecorated at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, King Fahad International Airport in Dammam and Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Al-Medina to give maximum satisfaction and comfort to Al-Fursan members and First Class and Business Class travelers. Special SV staff will be trained to handle these lounges and provide the best service possible.

 

 

Sunday, November 19, 2006
SV Retirees Honored

 

Under the patronage of HH Prince Fahad Al-Abdallah, Assistant Minister of Defense and Aviation for Civil Aviation Affairs, Saudi Arabian Airlines (SV) hosted a ceremony honoring SV employees who have reached the age of retirement. The ceremony was held at the SV Club in Jeddah on the evening of Sunday, November 19, 2006 and was attended by a number of government officials, SV executives and invited guests. It featured an operetta performed by a local musical group followed by dinner and the presentation of certificates and gifts.

 

 

Saturday, November 11, 2006
SV to start Automated Ticketing

 

Under the guidance of H.E. Mr. Khaled Almolhem, Director General Saudi Arabian Airlines (SV), is starting an automated ticketing program. This program comes in the process of SV upgrading its services to ensure better services, less effort and time consumption for SV passengers. The new program will include the development of the Stars ticketing and reservations system and connect all international stations. It will also provide awareness programs for passengers, travel agents and government sectors. This program meets International Air Transport Aviation (IATA) requirements and is scheduled to begin in 2007.

 

 

Saturday, November 11, 2006
Saudi Technical Services staff on the increase

 

The number of Saudi employees at the Technical Services sector of Saudi Arabian Airlines (SV) has increased by end of September 2006 to 85% of the total number of employees in that sector. This amounts to 5142 employees of the total 6049 staff members. In comparison, the increase was up to 76% of the total in 2000. Technical Services is comprised of technicians, engineers, planners and inspectors and this increase in the number of Saudi employees reflects the great abilities and capabilities of Saudi youth in working on the maintenance of aircraft bodies, engines, avionics and fleet support equipment and proves the success of the airlines technical training programs

 

 

Wednesday, November 8, 2006
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques visits Najran Exhibition

 

Saudi Arabian Airlines (SV) was honored by the visit of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz and HRH Crown Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Premier, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General, Chairman of the Board of Saudi Arabian Airlines to the exhibition for the development projects in Najran Area. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and HRH the Crown Prince were met by Mr. Abdulaziz Al-Hazmi, Executive Vice President Marketing and shown around the exhibition. Mr. Al-Hazmi gave a brief history of the airline and its achievements in the past 60 years. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques asked that SV double its efforts and provide the best service possible to its passengers.

 

 

Saturday, November 4, 2006
Friends of SV employed

 

Under the directives of HRH Crown Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Premier, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General, Chairman of the Board of Saudi Arabian Airlines (SV) and with follow-ups by HH Prince Fahad Bin Abdullah, all employees who are currently working on temporary jobs under the "Friends of Saudi Arabian Airlines" program will be permanently employed by the airline. The new employees will receive all the benefits provided by the airline to its employees, including increments in salary for transportation and housing allowances and the provision of medical services for themselves and their families. H.E. Mr. Khaled A. Al-Molhem, Director General Saudi Arabian Airlines expressed his thanks and appreciation for the consideration and kind directives given by His Royal Highness.

 

 

Saturday, November 4, 2006
Special counters for special need passengers

 

H.E. Mr. Khaled A. Al-Molhem, Director General Saudi Arabian Airlines has recently given directives to renovate counters at King Khaled International Airport in Riyadh to accommodate passengers with special needs. The counters will conform to special height specifics in accordance with international standards and specifications. Passengers with special needs will also be provided with special lounges at the airport's main terminals to facilitate their travel procedures. In addition these lounges will be equipped with ramps, wheelchairs and special seats for their mobility and comfort. The special needs counters will soon be included at all the Kingdom's airports.

 

 

Sunday, October 29, 2006
SV to increase flights to and from Abha

 

Saudi Arabian Airlines (SV) will increase its flights to Abha's regional airport starting October 29, 2006 as follows:

 

  • 7 direct flights from Abha to Al-Madinah via Taif
    3 morning flights (Wednesday - Friday - Monday)
    4 evening flights (Tuesday- Wednesday- Friday - Saturday)

 

  • 3 weekly flights to Sharurah
    (Wednesday - Friday - Monday)

 

  • 4 weekly flights to Tabuk via Taif or Jizan
    (Wednesday - Friday - Saturday - Sunday)

 

  • 12 flights to Taif
    2 daily flights except for Thursday

 

  • 4 new flights from Dammam to Abha
    (Tuesday - Thursday - Saturday - Sunday)

 

 

An additional 2 flights to Jeddah will be added to accommodate the increase in seating capacity over the weekend holiday.

 

 

Saturday, September 2, 2006
New service... Receive your ticket by Express mail.

 

Saudi Arabian Airlines is proudly announcing that it launched the service of Express ticket and boarding pass delivery to customer's working address.

 

Now, Saudi Arabian Airlines customers can book online, pay online, and order tickets to be delivered to their shipping address within 24 Hours in main cities in Saudi Arabia.

 

Customers who will make their bookings within 3-4 days from flight departure will benefit from an additional facility to request boarding pass for domestic flights.

 

To benefit from this service:

 

  • Click on the following link (Booking Online)

 

  • Proceed with your booking

 

  • At step 4 of the confirmation page, select "receive ticket by Express mail" form the delivery options available

 

This service is free of charge for online customers in an effort to improve and enhance the reservation and ticketing facilities to our valuable customers.

 

 

Saturday, July 15, 2006
By Royal Directives SV increases It's flights from Damascus to the Kingdom

 

HRH Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz the Viceroy directs SV to operate additional flights from Damascus International Airport to Jeddah, Riyadh and Dhahran to uplift Saudi citizens wishing to leave Lebanon through Damascus Airport to the Kingdom.

 

HEDG Mr. Khaled Almolhem announced that based on the Royal Directives SV will accept all Saudi passengers out of Lebanon irrespective of the type of tickets they carry and those without ticket will be carried out free of charge in coordination with the Saudi Embassy in Damascus.
Gurayat and Tabuk stations will be ready to handle extra flights as needed for passengers returning to the Kingdom by car.

 

 

Monday, April 24, 2006
SV Excels in providing exceptional service

 

Saudi Arabian Airlines (SV) has recently achieved great success in an in-flight survey conducted by "Global Traveler" magazine. The survey questionnaire was submitted to different international carriers around the globe to evaluate the service provided on board of their aircraft. SV won first place in best presentation for its men's first class amenities kit and won first place with its Citrus perfume. It also earned second place for skin care products for women.

 

 

Tuesday, January 24, 2006
HRH the Crown Prince launches new Embraer service

 

Under the patronage of HRH Crown Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz, Deputy ‎Premier, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General, Chairman of the ‎Board of Directors of Saudi Arabian Airlines, the airline celebrated on January ‎‎03, 2006 the launch of the first two aircraft of its new Embraer fleet.
Saudi ‎Arabian Airlines has purchased for the first time in its history fifteen new Embraer ‎‎170 aircrafts in a $400 million self-financed deal. "Saudi Arabian Airlines is the ‎first airline in the Middle East to purchase this type of aircraft," said H.E. Dr. ‎Khaled A. Ben-Bakr, Director General Saudi Arabian Airlines.

 

H.E. added that the ‎benefits of the Embraer deal to the airline include technology transfers through ‎the preparation and training of Saudi technicians on the maintenance of the new ‎aircraft and the training of pilots on the newly received simulator. Saudi Arabian ‎Airlines received the first two aircraft in December. Another two will be delivered ‎in January, followed by the delivery of one aircraft every month. HRH Prince ‎Sultan received an award from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) ‎regional Vice President for the Middle East and North Africa, Dr. Majdi Sabri on ‎the airline's level of operational safety.‎

 

 
Top