Latest news with #IbrahimAl-Omar
Business Recorder
5 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Saudia launches transformative expansion of Hajj operations
KARACHI: Saudia Airlines has announced a transformative expansion of its Hajj operations, marking what the company calls a 'new era' in pilgrimage travel that extends far beyond traditional air transportation services. For the Hajj 2025 season, scheduled for June 4-9 pending lunar observations, the Saudi national flag carrier is positioning itself as a comprehensive service partner rather than merely an airline, introducing revolutionary products and services designed to enhance the spiritual journey for millions of pilgrims worldwide. The airline has allocated over one million seats across its modern fleet of 158 aircraft, targeting a market share of up to 35% while serving pilgrims from more than 100 global destinations. The operation will mobilize over 11,000 frontline staff and aircraft maintenance technicians across a 74-day operational window. 'Hajj remains one of our top national priorities,' said H.E. Engr Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia. 'This year, we are proud to not only manage air operations at full capacity but to also extend our role to become a direct service provider to pilgrims.' The airline is investing over SAR 100 million (approximately USD 26.7 million) in infrastructure and services across Makkah, Madinah, and the holy sites, creating what Al-Omar describes as 'thoughtfully curated service packages' that will redefine the concept of Hajj service delivery. Perhaps the most striking innovation is Saudia's introduction of 'The Coolest Ihram' — the world's first high-tech Ihram garment, unveiled on World Creativity and Innovation Day. Developed in collaboration with design firm Landor and textile technology company brrr, the garment represents a significant advancement in pilgrim comfort and safety. The revolutionary Ihram incorporates patented cooling minerals, active wicking technology, and rapid-drying capabilities that can reduce skin temperature by up to 2°C (3.6°F). The garment also provides UPF 50+ sun protection while maintaining full compliance with Islamic requirements for both men and women. The product will be available to Saudia passengers beginning in June 2025. This innovation addresses a critical need, as pilgrims often face extreme heat conditions during the Hajj, with temperatures in Saudi Arabia frequently exceeding 40°C (104°F) during the pilgrimage season. Saudia's transformation extends well beyond transportation. The airline is establishing dedicated rest areas, restaurants, and coffee lounges inspired by its premium AlFursan airport lounges at the holy sites. These facilities will be staffed by multilingual personnel to ensure seamless communication with the diverse international pilgrim population. The enhanced service portfolio includes specialized accommodation arrangements, diverse halal meal options, timely prayer and Miqat announcements, and educational programs developed in collaboration with Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Arabian Business
04-05-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Saudia offers more than 1m Hajj seats and plans $27m investment in Makkah, Madinah
Saudia Group has unveiled its comprehensive plan for the 2025 Hajj Season, announcing its official entry into the Hajj services sector, aiming to redefine the pilgrimage experience. For the first time, the Group will serve as a full Hajj service provider, marking a new chapter in its commitment to elevating the spiritual journey of pilgrims. Its offerings will now extend far beyond air travel to include a range of innovative services that cater to every aspect of the pilgrim experience. Saudia Hajj 2025 From the initial planning stage to the smallest details at the holy sites, pilgrims will benefit from enhanced support and care. Saudia Group will offer more than one million seats over a 74-day period and utilize its fleet of 158 aircraft, capturing 35 per cent of the market share. This commitment aligns with the directives of the Saudi leadership and is supported by collaborations with various government and private entities involved in serving Hajj pilgrims. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, said: 'Hajj remains one of our top national priorities. This year, we're proud to not only manage air operations at full capacity but to also extend our role to become a direct service provider to pilgrims. 'Through this expansion, we aim to deliver a holistic experience that meets the highest standards of care and hospitality. 'We're investing over SR100m ($26.7m) in Makkah, Madinah, and the holy sites to provide pilgrims with thoughtfully curated service packages, to redefine the concept of Hajj service delivery, setting a new standard for excellence.' Adopting a direct-to-consumer (B2C) model for these new offerings, in accordance with the directives of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, Saudia Group will serve approximately 1,400 international pilgrims from the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. The holistic approach of the Group and its subsidiaries will enhance the quality of services provided to Hajj pilgrims, including hotel accommodations overlooking the Two Holy Mosques and catering tailored to the pilgrims' local tastes. As part of its luxury-focused initiatives, Saudia Group will also bring enhanced comfort and privacy to the holy sites, introducing Business Class-style beds and dedicated rest areas inspired by Alfursan lounges. Consistent with its commitment to local development, Saudia Group has dedicated 29 per cent of its procurement and investments to supporting local content, driving economic growth within the Kingdom. This is further reinforced through the recruitment of qualified national talent and the training of future professionals at Saudia Academy in key areas such as crowd management and exceptional service delivery. In tandem with this milestone, Saudia started its operational plan for this year's Hajj season. More than 11,000 employees, representing frontline staff and aircraft maintenance technicians, are contributing to deliver smooth operations across airports, working in close coordination with government and private entities. The 'Makkah Route' initiative is expected to serve more than 120,000 pilgrims, while the 'Luggage First' service will manage approximately 270,000 bags and 240,000 Zamzam bottles. This week, Saudia welcomed the arrival of the first Hajj flight SV3803 from Dhaka, Bangladesh, carrying 396 pilgrims to King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. To enhance the pilgrims' experience, Saudia offers a range of services, including convenient boarding pass issuance for both outbound and return flights at the airports. Its multilingual staff ensure seamless communication, delivering top-notch service with expertise. Onboard Saudia flights, pilgrims will enjoy diverse meal options, timely prayer and Miqat announcements, and specially curated programs in collaboration with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah that provide guidance on rituals and local regulations.
Zawya
03-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Saudia Group redefines the Hajj experience with launch of new Hajj services for 2025
Jeddah: Saudia Group has unveiled its comprehensive plan for the 2025 Hajj Season, announcing its official entry into the Hajj services sector, aiming to redefine the pilgrimage experience. For the first time, the Group will serve as a full Hajj service provider, marking a new chapter in its commitment to elevating the spiritual journey of pilgrims. Its offerings will now extend far beyond air travel to include a range of innovative services that cater to every aspect of the pilgrim experience. From the initial planning stage to the smallest details at the holy sites, pilgrims will benefit from enhanced support and care. In line with this vision, Saudia Group will offer more than one million seats over a 74-day period and utilize its fleet of 158 aircraft, capturing 35% of the market share. This commitment aligns with the directives of the Saudi leadership and is supported by collaborations with various government and private entities involved in serving Hajj pilgrims. H.E. Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, said: "Hajj remains one of our top national priorities. This year, we're proud to not only manage air operations at full capacity but to also extend our role to become a direct service provider to pilgrims. Through this expansion, we aim to deliver a holistic experience that meets the highest standards of care and hospitality." He continued, "We're investing over SAR 100 million in Makkah, Madinah, and the holy sites to provide pilgrims with thoughtfully curated service packages, to redefine the concept of Hajj service delivery, setting a new standard for excellence." Adopting a direct-to-consumer (B2C) model for these new offerings, in accordance with the directives of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, Saudia Group will serve approximately 1,400 international pilgrims from the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. The holistic approach of the Group and its subsidiaries will enhance the quality of services provided to Hajj pilgrims, including hotel accommodations overlooking the Two Holy Mosques and catering tailored to the pilgrims' local tastes. As part of its luxury-focused initiatives, Saudia Group will also bring enhanced comfort and privacy to the holy sites, introducing Business Class-style beds and dedicated rest areas inspired by Alfursan lounges. Consistent with its commitment to local development, Saudia Group has dedicated 29% of its procurement and investments to supporting local content, driving economic growth within the Kingdom. This is further reinforced through the recruitment of qualified national talent and the training of future professionals at Saudia Academy in key areas such as crowd management and exceptional service delivery. In tandem with this milestone, Saudia started its operational plan for this year's Hajj season. Over 11,000 employees, representing frontline staff and aircraft maintenance technicians, are contributing to deliver smooth operations across airports, working in close coordination with government and private entities. The 'Makkah Route' initiative is expected to serve over 120,000 pilgrims, while the 'Luggage First' service will manage approximately 270,000 bags and 240,000 Zamzam bottles. This week, Saudia welcomed the arrival of the first Hajj flight SV3803 from Dhaka, Bangladesh, carrying 396 pilgrims to King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. The welcoming reception was attended by distinguished guests, including H.E. Engr. Saleh Al-Jasser, Minister of Transport and Logistics Services, and H.E. Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, alongside executives from Jeddah Airports Company and other government sectors. To enhance the pilgrims' experience, Saudia offers a range of services, including convenient boarding pass issuance for both outbound and return flights at the airports. Its multilingual staff ensure seamless communication, delivering top-notch service with expertise. Onboard Saudia flights, pilgrims will enjoy diverse meal options, timely prayer and Miqat announcements, and specially curated programs in collaboration with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah that provide guidance on rituals and local regulations. Additional services for individuals with special needs will also be available, including transportation for people with disabilities, onboard oxygen, and medical stretcher services as required. About Saudia Group Saudia Group is one of the largest aviation conglomerates in the MENA region. The Group drives industry development with its 13 subsidiaries, and offers world-class air transport, cargo services, ground services, logistics, maintenance, catering, private aviation, real estate, training, and medical services. The mission of Saudia Group is to inspire people to go beyond borders with a purpose that is rooted in unlocking human potential and connecting the world in ways never thought possible. The group is committed to reshaping the aviation ecosystem in the MENA region and beyond, by embracing innovation and a customer-centric approach. Media Center Saudia Group: Saudi Arabian Airlines Headquarters Jeddah 21231, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Email: MediaCenter@ X: @SaudiaGroup Linkedin: SAUDI AIRLINES WhatsApp: Saudia Group | مجموعة السعودية
Arabian Business
24-04-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Saudia announces order of 20 Airbus A330neo planes
Saudia Group has announced a new aircraft deal with Airbus to enhance its fleet by adding up to 20 new wide-body A330neo aircraft. 10 of which the new planes are for flyadeal, the Group's low-cost carrier. The A330neo model aligns with the Saudia Group's strategy to broaden its operational reach and introduce more destinations. Saudia and flyadeal order Airbus A330neo planes Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2027, with the final aircraft arriving in 2029. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, said: 'Today's deal marks a pivotal milestone in our ambitious strategy to modernise and expand our fleet. 'It builds on last year's historic deal with Airbus for 105 aircraft. This step aligns with our national strategies under Saudi Vision 2030, which aim to connect 250 destinations and facilitate the travel of over 330m travellers and 150m tourists by 2030. 'This deal supports Saudia Group's plans to grow and improve its operations. It adds to the modernisation of our fleet, improves aircraft maintenance, and makes our overall operations more efficient.' Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Executive Vice President of Sales for the Commercial Aircraft business at Airbus, said: 'Saudia Group's A330neo order for flyadeal marks a key step in advancing the Kingdom's aviation ambition to unlock long-haul markets and attract new customers. 'The A330neo's proven versatility, new-generation efficiency, and excellent passenger experience will perfectly support Saudia Group's strategic growth and solidify their position as a global aviation leader. 'We look forward to seeing this versatile champion fly in flyadeal colours.' The airline group currently operates a fleet of 194 aircraft, serving commercial aviation, cargo operations, and logistics services. The Group is set for significant expansion, with 191 new aircraft scheduled for delivery in the coming years.
Zawya
24-04-2025
- Automotive
- Zawya
Saudia Group signs deal with Airbus for Flyadeal's first wide-body aircraft
TOULOUSE — Saudia Group signed a deal with Airbus to order the first wide-body aircraft for flyadeal as it expands its operational capabilities. The agreement includes up to 20 A330neo aircraft, with 10 firm orders allocated to flyadeal — its first venture into the wide-body segment. Renowned for its fuel efficiency, extended range, and operational versatility, the A330neo supports Saudia Group's strategy to broaden its network and introduce new international destinations. Aircraft deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2027 and conclude in 2029. The signing ceremony took place at the Airbus factory in Toulouse, France, in the presence of Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, and Christian Scherer, CEO of Airbus' Commercial Aircraft business. The agreement was formally signed by Saleh Eid, Vice President of Fleet Management at Saudia Group, and Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Executive Vice President of Sales for Commercial Aircraft at Airbus. 'This deal marks a pivotal milestone in our ambitious strategy to modernize and expand our fleet,' said Engr. Al-Omar. 'It builds on last year's historic agreement with Airbus for 105 aircraft and aligns with our national strategy. Our goal is to connect 250 destinations and support the travel of more than 330 million travelers and 150 million tourists by 2030.' He added that the order would enhance operational efficiency, modernize the fleet, and improve aircraft maintenance standards. Christian Scherer described the A330neo as a 'technological marvel' and emphasized its importance in supporting Saudia Group's long-haul ambitions. 'The A330neo's proven versatility, new-generation efficiency, and excellent passenger experience will perfectly support Saudia Group's strategic growth and solidify their position as a global aviation leader,' he said. The agreement reflects a deep-rooted relationship between Saudi Arabia and France, with the Saudia-Airbus partnership dating back to 1984, when the first A300-600 was delivered. Today's expanded collaboration underscores shared goals in innovation and growth, including the development of a certified Airbus Manufacturing and Maintenance Center in Jeddah's MRO Village, positioning the Kingdom as a regional aviation hub. Beyond fleet expansion, the partnership is creating high-value job opportunities in France and across Europe, while contributing to global aviation innovation. Saudia Group currently operates a fleet of 194 aircraft across commercial, cargo, and logistics operations. © Copyright 2022 The Saudi Gazette. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
