Latest news with #ArvedvonzurMuehlen
Associated Press
3 days ago
- Business
- Associated Press
WestJet and Saudia announce interline agreement unlocking enhanced international connectivity to more than 100 destinations
WestJet guests to gain single-connection access to multiple points in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the first time CALGARY, AB, June 30, 2025 /CNW/ - WestJet today announced a new interline partnership agreement with Saudia, significantly enhancing global connectivity across both carriers' networks. The agreement includes single-connection access to Jeddah via Toronto Pearson as well as both Jeddah and Riyadh from London Heathrow and Paris Charles-de-Gaulle. 'An interline partnership with Saudia marks a major step forward in expanding global connectivity for our guests,' said John Weatherill, WestJet Executive Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer. 'This agreement not only provides WestJet guests with seamless single-connection access to Saudia's extensive global network but also strengthens inbound tourism and business links. Together, WestJet and Saudia are creating more convenient and diverse travel options for guests on both sides, fostering stronger connections and collaboration across continents.' Arved von zur Muehlen, Chief Commercial Officer at Saudia, said, 'We value the partnership with WestJet, it reflects Saudia's commitment to offer our guests more destinations through key international gateways. Canada is now closer than ever, and we are also offering a seamless journey for travellers from Canada to explore Saudi Arabia and experience its unique culture, heritage, and hospitality.' The agreement was signed by Arved von zur Muehlen, Chief Commercial Officer at Saudia, and John Weatherill, Executive Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer at WestJet. Guests can now book a single ticket with a connected itinerary between WestJet and Saudia's networks with single point check-in and through-checked bags. Bookings will be available through a travel agent or third-party ticket sales websites. About WestJet WestJet took to the skies in 1996 with just over 200 employees and three aircraft operating service to five destinations. Since then, WestJet has pioneered low-cost travel in Canada, cutting airfares in half, and increasing the flying population in Canada by more than 50 per cent. Following integration with Sunwing in 2025, more than 14,000 WestJetters support nearly 200 aircraft and connect guests to more than 100 destinations across North America, Central America, the Caribbean, Europe and Asia. As a major Canadian employer that includes WestJet Airlines, Sunwing Vacations Group and WestJet Cargo, the WestJet Group is Canada's leading low-cost airline and largest vacation provider, with a united purpose of providing affordable and accessible air and vacation travel to Canadians. Learn more about WestJet at (also available in French) Follow WestJet on Facebook at Follow WestJet on X at and Follow WestJet on Instagram at Subscribe to WestJet on YouTube at SOURCE WESTJET, an Alberta Partnership
Cision Canada
3 days ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
WestJet and Saudia announce interline agreement unlocking enhanced international connectivity to more than 100 destinations Français
WestJet guests to gain single-connection access to multiple points in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the first time CALGARY, AB, June 30, 2025 /CNW/ - WestJet today announced a new interline partnership agreement with Saudia, significantly enhancing global connectivity across both carriers' networks. The agreement includes single-connection access to Jeddah via Toronto Pearson as well as both Jeddah and Riyadh from London Heathrow and Paris Charles-de-Gaulle. "An interline partnership with Saudia marks a major step forward in expanding global connectivity for our guests," said John Weatherill, WestJet Executive Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer. "This agreement not only provides WestJet guests with seamless single-connection access to Saudia's extensive global network but also strengthens inbound tourism and business links. Together, WestJet and Saudia are creating more convenient and diverse travel options for guests on both sides, fostering stronger connections and collaboration across continents." Arved von zur Muehlen, Chief Commercial Officer at Saudia, said, "We value the partnership with WestJet, it reflects Saudia's commitment to offer our guests more destinations through key international gateways. Canada is now closer than ever, and we are also offering a seamless journey for travellers from Canada to explore Saudi Arabia and experience its unique culture, heritage, and hospitality." The agreement was signed by Arved von zur Muehlen, Chief Commercial Officer at Saudia, and John Weatherill, Executive Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer at WestJet. Guests can now book a single ticket with a connected itinerary between WestJet and Saudia's networks with single point check-in and through-checked bags. Bookings will be available through a travel agent or third-party ticket sales websites. About WestJet WestJet took to the skies in 1996 with just over 200 employees and three aircraft operating service to five destinations. Since then, WestJet has pioneered low-cost travel in Canada, cutting airfares in half, and increasing the flying population in Canada by more than 50 per cent. Following integration with Sunwing in 2025, more than 14,000 WestJetters support nearly 200 aircraft and connect guests to more than 100 destinations across North America, Central America, the Caribbean, Europe and Asia. As a major Canadian employer that includes WestJet Airlines, Sunwing Vacations Group and WestJet Cargo, the WestJet Group is Canada's leading low-cost airline and largest vacation provider, with a united purpose of providing affordable and accessible air and vacation travel to Canadians. Learn more about WestJet at (also available in French)
Asharq Al-Awsat
01-05-2025
- Business
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudia Signs Deal to Boost Tourism in Saudi Arabia's Aseer Region
Saudia Airlines and the Aseer Development Authority have signed an agreement to promote tourism in Aseer Region, a prominent destination in Saudi Arabia. The memorandum of understanding was signed during the Arabian Travel Market 2025 event. Under the strategic partnership, Saudia will develop seasonal campaigns targeting spring, summer, and winter travel to increase visitor numbers and bookings to Aseer Region. The airline stated the partnership supports its commitment to local economic growth and aligns with Saudi Arabia's National Transport and Logistics Strategy. This strategy is part of Saudi Vision 2030 plan, which aims for 330 million annual visitors to the Kingdom by 2030. Saudia aims to connect international visitors with the Kingdom, highlighting Aseer's cultural and heritage sites. "This strategic partnership with Saudia represents a qualitative leap in our efforts to develop Aseer as a global tourist destination," said Acting CEO of the Aseer Development Authority Hashem Al-Dabbagh. He added that it "supports economic development and enhances access to the region in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030." "We are pleased to partner with the authority, utilizing our global network to highlight the natural beauty and vibrant culture of Aseer Region and integrating these offerings into our strategy,' said Chief Commercial Officer of Saudia Arved von zur Muehlen.
The National
29-04-2025
- Business
- The National
ATM 2025: Saudia keen on US immigration pre-clearance facility at Jeddah hub, CCO says
State-backed Saudia is exploring the opportunity for a US immigration preclearance facility at its hub as the national carrier seeks to ease transatlantic flights and expand its partnership with Delta Air Lines. The Jeddah-based carrier has a codeshare agreement with Delta Air Lines, one of the largest US airlines, and has discussed this potential opportunity with its partner, Arved von zur Muehlen, Saudia's chief commercial officer, told The National on Tuesday on the sidelines of the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai. 'We would love to have the immigration preclearance so that our guests can pre-clear the immigration in Saudi and fly to the US and don't have to go through immigration on the other end,' he said. 'We understand it takes time to develop this and there are many hurdles we have to undertake, but we work with our government partners in Saudi, and on the other side, all together on the project … We talked to Delta about this and they are very helpful.' The preclearance centre allows passengers to complete immigration checks before they fly to the US. The UAE is the only country in the Middle East and one of just six nations globally where travellers can go through customs before arriving in the US. The others are Ireland, Aruba, the Bahamas, Canada and Bermuda. The US Customs and Border Protection (US CBP) preclearance centre is open at Zayed International Airport (AUH), enabling Etihad Airways flights to US destinations including Boston, Chicago, New York and Washington DC. The US border post in Abu Dhabi has handed the local carrier an advantage over rivals as it helps cut long immigration queues in crowded US airports. Saudia signed the codeshare pact with Delta Air Lines in October last year and the move is a 'game-changer for us and really gives us the opportunity to widen the co-operation with Delta now', Mr Muehlen said. Under the agreement, Saudia passengers can fly to 12 destinations in the US beyond Delta's hubs at JFK and Los Angeles airports. Delta passengers will gain access to nine destinations in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East beyond the cities of Jeddah and Riyadh. 'The Delta code is now also flying into Saudi, and that is a good first step, and I think it's something we can build on jointly,' he said. Saudia, which recorded a 9 per cent year-on-year increase in passenger volumes of nine million travellers in the first quarter of 2025, is 'quite bullish' on summer travel demand, Mr Muehlen said. 'The development is good but we always have to be mindful and nimble because market conditions can also change very quickly,' he said. 'But at the moment we foresee a very decent year for 2025 in terms of passenger growth.' The airline, as it adds more routes, expects a 5 per cent to 8 per cent increase in passenger numbers over the 35 million it carried last year. However, capacity growth will be constrained as it is scheduled to take delivery of a handful of narrow-body jets and must rely on improving aircraft utilisation, he said. It plans to upgrade some routes with three to four weekly flights into daily frequencies, while exploring growth opportunities in India, South-east Asia and parts of Africa, he added. Aircraft retrofit programme The airline plans to undertake an aircraft retrofitting programme in which 15,000 seats will be upgraded across its fleet of aircraft. The seat upgrade will start in late 2025 and continue until late 2027, it said. 'We are putting in business class suites in most of our planes, and especially on the narrow-bodies,' Mr Muehlen said. 'Premium demand is strong, it is still fluctuating, but in general we see a positive trend.' Demand for seats in the front of the cabin is coming from leisure travellers, not just corporate flyers, a trend that continued to evolve after the pandemic, he added.
The National
29-04-2025
- Business
- The National
ATM 2025: Saudia keen on opportunity for US immigration pre-clearance hub, CCO says
State-backed Saudia is exploring the opportunity for a US immigration preclearance facility at its hub as the national carrier seeks to ease transatlantic flights and expand its partnership with Delta Air Lines. The Jeddah-based carrier has a codeshare agreement with Delta Air Lines, one of the largest US airlines, and has discussed this potential opportunity with its partner, Arved von zur Muehlen, Saudia's chief commercial officer, told The National on Tuesday on the sidelines of the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai. 'We would love to have the immigration preclearance so that our guests can pre-clear the immigration in Saudi and fly to the US and don't have to go through immigration on the other end,' he said. 'We understand it takes time to develop this and there are many hurdles we have to undertake, but we work with our government partners in Saudi, and on the other side, all together on the project … We talked to Delta about this and they are very helpful.' The preclearance centre allows passengers to complete immigration checks before they fly to the US. The UAE is the only country in the Middle East and one of just six nations globally where travellers can go through customs before arriving in the US. The others are Ireland, Aruba, the Bahamas, Canada and Bermuda. The US Customs and Border Protection (US CBP) preclearance centre is open at Zayed International Airport (AUH), enabling Etihad Airways flights to US destinations including Boston, Chicago, New York and Washington DC. The US border post in Abu Dhabi has handed the local carrier an advantage over rivals as it helps cut long immigration queues in crowded US airports. Saudia signed the codeshare pact with Delta Air Lines in October last year and the move is a 'game-changer for us and really gives us the opportunity to widen the co-operation with Delta now', Mr Muehlen said. Under the agreement, Saudia passengers can fly to 12 destinations in the US beyond Delta's hubs at JFK and Los Angeles airports. Delta passengers will gain access to nine destinations in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East beyond the cities of Jeddah and Riyadh. 'The Delta code is now also flying into Saudi, and that is a good first step, and I think it's something we can build on jointly,' he said. Saudia, which recorded a 9 per cent year-on-year increase in passenger volumes of nine million travellers in the first quarter of 2025, is 'quite bullish' on summer travel demand, Mr Muehlen said. 'The development is good but we always have to be mindful and nimble because market conditions can also change very quickly,' he said. 'But at the moment we foresee a very decent year for 2025 in terms of passenger growth.' The airline, as it adds more routes, expects a 5 per cent to 8 per cent increase in passenger numbers over the 35 million it carried last year. However, capacity growth will be constrained as it is scheduled to take delivery of a handful of narrow-body jets and must rely on improving aircraft utilisation, he said. It plans to upgrade some routes with three to four weekly flights into daily frequencies, while exploring growth opportunities in India, South-east Asia and parts of Africa, he added. Aircraft retrofit programme The airline plans to undertake an aircraft retrofitting programme in which 15,000 seats will be upgraded across its fleet of aircraft. The seat upgrade will start in late 2025 and continue until late 2027, it said. 'We are putting in business class suites in most of our planes, and especially on the narrow-bodies,' Mr Muehlen said. 'Premium demand is strong, it is still fluctuating, but in general we see a positive trend.' Demand for seats in the front of the cabin is coming from leisure travellers, not just corporate flyers, a trend that continued to evolve after the pandemic, he added.
