Ghassan bin Abdulrahman al-Shabal, chairman of the board of directors of Saudi Arabian Airlines, has said that the national carrier is broadening its global reach.
Although Saudia went through several years of relative decline in terms of performance, there is currently an insistence to present the airline in its best shape at the local and international levels as part of its transformation plan.
Al-Shabal told Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper that air transportation plays a key role in any economic revival. Therefore Saudia Airlines has a huge responsibility - in line with the Saudi Vision 2030 - in upgrading its services and its competitiveness in addition to reducing costs and growing locally and internationally.
Speaking about the challenges facing Saudia, Al-Shabal affirmed that the carrier is continuously developing services to be unique and attractive to passengers.
He added that infrastructure, such as the expansion of King Abdulaziz International Airport, also plays a vital role in the performance of Saudia.
As for the huge spending of the airline, Al-Shabal told Asharq Al-Awsat that there are no doubt financial concerns but without a decision to purchase more airplanes, which is considered an investment, the company would not be able to improve.
His remarks were made on the sidelines of a graduation ceremony of 115 Saudi youths.
In his turn, Director General of Saudia Saleh bin Nasser al-Jasser showcased some of Saudia’s achievements.
He said that up to one million pilgrims were in 2017 transferred comfortably and offered a package of comprehensive services.
Jasser added that Saudia continues its preparations to move to the new King Abdulaziz International Airport and looks forward to achieving a huge and unprecedented leap in services.
