In a groundbreaking achievement, Saudia Group has cemented its position as a global leader in aviation, with its flagship carrier, Saudia, and its low-cost subsidiary, flyadeal, earning top spots in On-Time Performance (OTP) rankings for November 2024. This feat underscores the group’s commitment to operational excellence and customer satisfaction, as confirmed by Cirium, a leading independent aviation tracking organization.
Saudia Takes the Top Spot in Global OTP Rankings
Saudia, Saudi Arabia’s national flag carrier, has emerged as the global leader in OTP, achieving an on-time arrival rate of 89.85% in November 2024. This impressive accomplishment follows the successful operation of over 16,300 flights during the month, showcasing Saudia’s ability to maintain high efficiency across a vast network.
This achievement marks the third time Saudia has topped the OTP rankings in 2024, with similar first-place finishes in June and July. The airline’s dedication to operational efficiency reflects its broader goal of delivering a seamless and reliable travel experience to passengers.
His Excellency Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, said, “These outstanding results underscore the strategic importance of safe and timely operations, which significantly enhance customer confidence across our entire group. Saudia and Flyadeal’s commitment to operational excellence is a testament to the collective efforts of our dedicated front-line staff and the invaluable support from all Saudia Group business units.”
He added: “Saudia’s comprehensive transformation program, “Shine” has been instrumental in achieving this accomplishment. Through the program, we launch initiatives aimed at enhancing guest experience and operational efficiency, as well as improving various services and products.”
flyadeal: A Rising Star in Low-Cost Aviation
flyadeal continues to make waves in the low-cost carrier segment, ranking second globally in OTP for the second consecutive month with an impressive on-time rate of 90.48%. This achievement highlights Flyadeal’s relentless pursuit of operational excellence, positioning it as one of the most reliable low-cost carriers in the world. Notably, flyadeal secured first place in the low-cost category in September 2024, further solidifying its reputation as a leader in the industry.
Operating a modern fleet of 36 Airbus A320 family aircraft, flyadeal connects passengers to nearly 30 destinations across Saudi Arabia, the Middle East, Europe, and North Africa. With its primary hubs in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam, the airline ensures efficient operations and extensive connectivity.
Looking ahead, flyadeal is set to expand its network significantly in 2025, offering passengers even greater flexibility and travel options as it embarks on a strategic international growth plan.
Operational Excellence: A Hallmark of the Saudia Group
Jeremy Bowen, Cirium’s Chief Executive Officer added: “It’s fantastic to see Saudia take the top spot as the most on-time global airline in November, paired with sister carrier flyadeal which secured an impressive second place in the LCC category. These achievements demonstrate the exceptional operational success of the Saudia Group. Their ongoing dedication to excellence and ability to deliver outstanding results month after month is truly commendable. They continue to set high standards and reinforce their significant impact on the airline industry.”
Future Growth Aligned with Vision 2030
Saudia Group’s success is deeply intertwined with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, a comprehensive national transformation program aimed at diversifying the Kingdom’s economy and positioning it as a global hub for tourism and business.
Fleet Expansion and Network Growth
As part of its long-term strategy, Saudia is set to receive 130 new aircraft in the coming years, effectively doubling its seating capacity and expanding its global reach. Currently, Saudia operates a fleet of 144 aircraft connecting the Kingdom to over 100 international destinations. This expansion aligns with Saudi Arabia’s ambition to attract millions of visitors annually, thereby boosting the Kingdom’s tourism sector.
Innovative In-Flight Services
In addition to its operational success, Saudia prides itself on providing an exceptional passenger experience. Combining authentic Saudi hospitality with cutting-edge, multilingual in-flight entertainment, the airline ensures a personalized and enjoyable journey for every traveller.
flyadeal’s Commitment to Affordability and Reliability
flyadeal, as a key player in the Saudia Group, has carved a niche for itself in the competitive low-cost carrier market. The airline’s ability to maintain a high OTP while offering affordable fares is a testament to its robust operational model.
Plans for Expansion
Starting in 2025, flyadeal plans to significantly expand its international operations, catering to growing demand from both leisure and business travellers. This expansion will further enhance its position as a preferred choice for cost-effective, reliable air travel.
Focus on Customer Satisfaction
flyadeal’s focus on punctuality and affordability is complemented by its dedication to customer satisfaction. By continuously investing in technology and staff training, the airline ensures a smooth and hassle-free experience for its passengers.
Recognition and Impact on the Industry
The achievements of Saudia and flyadeal are not just milestones for the Saudia Group but also the global aviation industry. These rankings underscore the growing prominence of Saudi carriers on the world stage, setting new benchmarks for operational efficiency and reliability.
Cirium’s recognition of Saudia and Flyadeal as leaders in OTP reflects the airlines’ consistent dedication to excellence. By raising the bar, they challenge other carriers to prioritize timely operations and superior customer service.
Conclusion
Saudia and Flyadeal’s exceptional On-Time Performance rankings demonstrate the Saudia Group’s unwavering commitment to operational excellence, customer satisfaction, and innovation. These achievements not only bolster the Group’s reputation but also highlight its strategic alignment with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, paving the way for a brighter future in global aviation.
As Saudia prepares to expand its fleet and flyadeal ventures into new international markets, the Saudia Group continues to set the standard for reliability and quality in air travel. Travelers worldwide can look forward to enhanced connectivity, world-class service, and unparalleled punctuality from these exceptional airlines.
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