Global Rating Agencies Expect Greater Growth for Saudi Economy

Moody's has updated Saudi Arabia's credit report to A1 with a stable outlook (Reuters)
Moody's has updated Saudi Arabia's credit report to A1 with a stable outlook (Reuters)
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Global Rating Agencies Expect Greater Growth for Saudi Economy

Moody's has updated Saudi Arabia's credit report to A1 with a stable outlook (Reuters)
Moody's has updated Saudi Arabia's credit report to A1 with a stable outlook (Reuters)

Global rating agencies have expected a greater growth for the Saudi economy.

Fitch and Moody's have affirmed Saudi Arabia's credit rating at A+ and A1 respectively, with a stable outlook.

This reflects the high level of confidence by global rating agencies in the Saudi economy on one hand, and the effectiveness of economic reforms taken by the Kingdom’s government on the other hand.

Credit ratings issued by global rating agencies provide important indicators for investors. Positive indicators prove the economy’s strength while demonstrating its vitality and effectiveness.

They commended the Kingdom’s non-oil revenue growth at 10.1 percent in 2018, which was driven by the Saudi financial reform program.

They noted that plans to diversify the Kingdom's economy away from oil are likely to contribute to the country's medium and long-term growth.

In this context, Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Finance has welcomed this rating.

Fitch Ratings maintained the Kingdom’s credit rating at A+ with a stable outlook on the back of the country’s financial strength, including foreign reserves, low public debt and large government assets.



Saudia Becomes Global Leader and Ranks First Worldwide in On-Time Performance

Saudi Arabian Airlines plane, is seen at the airport of the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, August 9, 2021. (Reuters)
Saudi Arabian Airlines plane, is seen at the airport of the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, August 9, 2021. (Reuters)
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Saudia Becomes Global Leader and Ranks First Worldwide in On-Time Performance

Saudi Arabian Airlines plane, is seen at the airport of the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, August 9, 2021. (Reuters)
Saudi Arabian Airlines plane, is seen at the airport of the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, August 9, 2021. (Reuters)

Saudia, the national flag carrier of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, has topped the list of global airlines for on-time performance, according to a report by the independent aviation tracking site Cirium for June 2024.

The report said Saudia achieved an on-time arrival rate of 88.22% and an on-time departure rate of 88.73% while operating 16,133 flights across its network of over 100 destinations on four continents. This achievement is notable given that June is a peak travel month due to the Hajj and summer travel seasons.

Director General of Saudia Group Eng. Ibrahim Al-Omar said: “This accomplishment is a realization of our strategic goals to enhance operational efficiency and quality through continuous improvements in flight scheduling and the implementation of the best digital solutions and systems for operations management.”

“Maintaining a high level of on-time performance requires significant effort, as it involves overcoming numerous operational challenges in the aviation industry, such as weather conditions, high temperatures, technical issues, and other airport-related factors,” he added.

“I express my gratitude to all Saudia employees for their diligent work in maintaining the national flag carrier's operational excellence.”

Saudia has consistently been among the top 10 global airlines for on-time performance since last year, demonstrating its commitment to providing the highest standards of quality and air safety.

Its operations are managed through the largest Integrated Operation Control Center (IOCC) of its kind in the Middle East, which runs within a comprehensive system involving all sectors and group companies.

The center utilizes the latest technologies for aircraft communications, ensuring smooth operations by monitoring all procedures related to aircraft takeoff and landing in real time at all domestic and international stations.