Latest news with #Saudia
Coin Geek
10 hours ago
- Business
- Coin Geek
Saudia airlines pivots to order-based system in aviation
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Saudi Arabia's national carrier, Saudia, has taken a leap forward in improving personalization capabilities for airline customers by leveraging next-generation technological advancements. According to a report, the airline is leaning on innovation from global travel technology company Amadeus to introduce a guest-centric approach toward digitization. Saudia is pivoting from traditional booking systems relying on PNRs and other electronic data to a single, dynamic record. The new system, Order, is designed to provide a robust record of all payments made by an airline passenger, allowing Saudia to offer improved services across all verticals. The system tracks consumer actions from ordering to payments, all the way to service delivery for travelers. Leveraging the new Amadeus Nexus environment, the system introduces new perks, including tailored pricing and personalized offers to customers. Following the introduction of the new system, Saudia will offer hand-picked cabins and a raft of customized services to guests in real-time. 'Moving to single Orders means we can gain a better understanding of our guests, what they've purchased from us, and our partners across the entire journey,' said Saudia Chief Commercial Officer Arved von zur Muehlen. 'Orders are the foundation for a more connected travel experience.' Executives note that the transition did not disrupt any existing airline processes, with parties pointing to Amadeus Smart's bridging capabilities. Going forward, Saudia is ditching the legacy Amadeus Altea Passenger Service System (PSS) for a new data-driven model with consumers at the heart of the change. 'Moving to Orders with smart bridging is an important milestone that lays the foundation for a whole host of new traveler-centric capabilities,' said Amadeus executive Maher Koubaa. While Amadeus Nevio does not mention blockchain technology, its artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud-native functionalities are considered state-of-the-art. Airlines are embracing emerging technologies Airlines are at the forefront of integrating emerging technologies into their existing operations. TCS has struck a partnership with Kuwait's Jazeera Airways to expand the airline's digital capabilities to personalized customer experiences and introduce new revenue streams. Etihad Airways is turning to AI for flight safety protocols, while Air Arabia is turning to blockchain for tokenization functionalities. AirAsia led the industry in blockchain-based travel rewards, while the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority is integrating distributed ledgers to minimize flight delays and offer transparent luggage handling and tracking. Air Astana inks collaboration deal with flydocs for wholesale digital transformation Kazakhstan's national carrier, Air Astana, has signed a partnership with aviation asset management solution provider flydocs for robust digitization across its value chain. The partnership will introduce a state-of-the-art digital records management (DRM) solution for Air Astana that is in line with its digitization goals. The incoming wave of DRM solutions will apply to Air Astana's fleet of over 60 aircraft. Per the agreement, flydocs will introduce its proprietary software with Air Astana's maintenance and engineering (M&E) systems and its passenger booking and travel records (PNRs). Flowing from the integration, Air Astana is primed to enjoy the perks of smart retrievals and advanced search functionalities while improving the scope of predictive maintenance. flydocs' functionalities will extend to fraud detection in booking processes while improving compliance standards with regulatory authorities. Furthermore, it introduces tamper-proof ledgers for maintenance records, luggage handling, passenger records, and other audit trails. Air Astana has signaled a keen intent to embrace emerging technologies to keep pace with other regional carriers amid a changing technology landscape. The airline is focusing on digital transformation to introduce operational efficiency and sustainability to its workflows. Pratap Shetty, Air Astana's Director of IT Operations and Engineering Systems, revealed that partnering with flydocs was an easy choice for the airline. For starters, Shetty points to flydocs' track record in digitizing airlines, highlighting its 75 global clients and innovative streak. Air Astana's digitization push follows Kazakhstan's recent embrace of next-gen technologies. Kazakhstan aims to become a digital asset hub in Central Asia while targeting the launch of a digital asset bank. Furthermore, there are plans to explore public sector AI applications in the country amid an adoption trend by Kazakhstan-based private enterprises. Aviation ramps up its adoption pace The aviation sector has always been innovating, with leading global airlines integrating emerging technologies into their operations. TCS has entered into a five-year partnership with Air New Zealand for a raft of AI-powered functionalities. 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Hamilton Spectator
2 days ago
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
AlFursan Introduces 'Cash + Miles' Payment Option
JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia, July 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — AlFursan, Saudia's Loyalty Program, has announced the launch of 'Cash + Miles', a new payment option that allows members to split their ticket cost by paying part with AlFursan Miles and the rest with cash. The feature is now available as a new payment method during the digital booking process. The new payment method offers greater flexibility, allowing guests to book without any seat limitations on each flight, and also modify their itineraries or request refunds through the 'Manage My Booking' feature, available on Saudia's official website and mobile applications. The introduction of this option is part of Saudia's broader strategy to expand payment flexibility and deliver world-class, guest-centric services. These efforts align with Saudia's strategic objective to elevate every aspect of guests' journey, from planning and booking to managing reservations and accessing post-sale support. The AlFursan Loyalty Program rewards members with miles when flying with Saudia, flyadeal, or SkyTeam alliance partners, along with access to a growing selection of offers and exclusive privileges. The program remains focused on delivering a world-class loyalty experience, supported by strategic partnerships and advanced digital solutions that meet evolving member expectations. About Saudia: Saudia (Saudia Airlines) is the national flag carrier of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Established in 1945, the company has grown to become one of the Middle East's largest airlines. Saudia has invested significantly in upgrading its aircraft and currently operates one of the youngest fleet with 148 aircraft. The airline serves an extensive global route network covering around 100 destinations across four continents, including all 28 domestic airports in Saudi Arabia. A member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the Arab Air Carriers Organization (AACO), Saudia has also been a member airline in SkyTeam, the second largest alliance, since 2012. Saudia was recently recognized as the World's Most Improved Airline 2024 by Skytrax, marking the third time it has received this accolade, alongside 14 other distinguished awards. Saudia has also been awarded the 'World Class Airline 2024' for the third consecutive year at The APEX Official Airline Ratings™ awards. Additionally, also ranked top among global airlines for best on-time performance (OTP) according to a report by Cirium. For more information on Saudia, please visit Media Center Saudia Airlines Headquarters Jeddah 21231, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Email: mediacenter@ X: @SaudiaGroup Linkedin: SAUDI AIRLINES WhatsApp: Saudia Group | مجموعة السعودية A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
Arab News
4 days ago
- Business
- Arab News
flyadeal is world's ‘most punctual' airline
flyadeal, Saudi Arabia's fast-growing low-cost airline, has been named the world's most punctual airline with an on-time performance of 91.77 percent in June 2025. According to Cirium, the independent aviation analytics company, flyadeal was No. 1 in the Middle East and Africa category. With sister airline Saudia topping the global airlines category at 91.33 percent — the top 10 percent of all passenger airlines by capacity — flyadeal emerged as the most punctual overall when considering all carriers published in Cirium's June 2025 report. OTP measures flight punctuality within 15 minutes of scheduled arrivals. Almost eight years old, flyadeal operates more than 200 scheduled flights a day from three bases in Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam.
Campaign ME
6 days ago
- Business
- Campaign ME
Esports World Cup 2025: Saudia's play to stay relevant with new generations
In a move that signals more than just a typical sponsorship, Saudia – the Kingdom's national airline – has joined the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) as its official Airline Partner. Announced through a first-of-its-kind virtual signing inside a gaming world, the partnership places the flag carrier at the heart of a global entertainment phenomenon and marks a striking new chapter in how brands engage with audiences born in digital spaces. Set in Riyadh's Boulevard City from July 7 to August 24, the Esports World Cup 2025 brings together more than 2,000 players from more than 100 countries, competing for a combined prize pool of $70m. For brands like Saudia, it presents a rare opportunity: a high-visibility platform that combines international reach with cultural relevance, especially among younger audiences that are increasingly difficult to engage through traditional media. Khaled Tash, Group Chief Marketing Officer at Saudia with Campaign Middle East how the partnership goes beyond branding to support a long-term repositioning for the airline. This alignment, says the brand, is strategic. 'Saudia is proud to be the Official Airline Partner of the Esports World Cup 2025, an event that underscores the Kingdom's rise as a global hub for world-class sporting events,' says, Tash. 'This partnership reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting national initiatives that drive tourism growth and promote the development of sports tourism.' Building a lifestyle brand At the heart of Saudia's marketing strategy is a push to redefine its brand perception: from airline to lifestyle brand. The Esports World Cup provides a credible, high-energy platform for this transition. 'The EWC provides Saudia with a strategic platform to engage with a global, digitally native audience while reinforcing Saudi Arabia's growing role as a host of world-class international events,' said Tash. He continues: 'For Saudia, this partnership goes beyond sponsorship – it marks our entry into high-growth sectors such as esports and interactive entertainment. These industries are critical touchpoints for engaging with younger travellers who value innovation, personalisation and immersive digital experiences.' Youth culture as a channel for relevance A key motivation behind the partnership is the chance to build affinity with younger travellers – particularly Gen Z and Millennials who expect brands to be as digitally connected as they are. 'Esports offers a powerful platform to engage Gen Z and Millennial audiences,' said Tash. 'Through this partnership, we are deepening our connection with these digitally native travellers in ways that are relevant and meaningful to their lifestyles.' That connection extends beyond sponsorship visibility into how Saudia is evolving its service proposition. 'Through this partnership, we are creating interactive, digital-first experiences that reflect the behaviours and preferences of younger consumers,' said Tash. 'From onboard streaming and gaming capabilities to curated in-flight content and social media activations, Saudia is embedding youth-centric touchpoints into our brand experience to ensure we remain relevant and top-of-mind for future travellers.' This effort is part of a wider rethinking of what it means to be a modern airline brand. 'This is part of a broader shift in how Saudia is evolving from a national carrier into a lifestyle brand that champions innovation and youth culture,' he added. From sports tourism to storytelling in motion While brand visibility at the Esports World Cup is a given, Saudia's activation goes several steps further – turning the partnership into a tourism enabler. The airline is launching exclusive travel packages for esports fans and tournament guests, combining premium hospitality, curated entertainment and destination marketing. These experiences aren't just perks – they are part of a deliberate strategy to boost both inbound tourism and brand loyalty through seamless, high-quality travel experiences. 'We are leveraging our expertise and capabilities to deliver a seamless and elevated travel experience for tournament guests that embodies the quality of our services, the warmth of Saudi hospitality, and the Kingdom's global appeal,' said Tash. Virtual, visionary and built for culture The virtual signing itself – carried out via an interactive digital platform – is symbolic of where Saudia's marketing ambitions are heading. Rather than simply attach its logo to a trending event, the airline is embracing the language of gaming and digital culture signing its sponsorship not on paper, but in a world built for and by the community it wants to reach. Tash calls it 'a bold move in how brands show up in emerging cultural spaces,' adding: 'Our role in the Esports World Cup is grounded in long-term brand alignment. We intend to engage with this audience on their terms, in their language and in their space.' The long game While the campaign is still unfolding, Saudia sees the partnership as a multilayered opportunity with both short- and long-term value. 'In the short term, we look to achieve increased brand visibility and affinity among younger audiences, both locally and globally,' said Tash. 'We also aim to generate greater interest in Saudi Arabia as a destination for tourism, entertainment and cultural discovery.' But the real win, he adds, lies in the long-term brand transformation: 'We want to be the airline of choice for young travellers, those who see us not only as a carrier but as a brand that understands and reflects their passions – including gaming.'
Tourism Breaking News
6 days ago
- Business
- Tourism Breaking News
flyadeal named as number 1 On-Time Performance in Mid East, Africa Category by Cirium
Post Views: 32 According to Cirium flyadeal was number one in the Middle East and Africa category. Cirium's June data also showed flyadeal recorded a 99.2 per cent completion rate meaning minimal cancellations throughout the month. With sister airline Saudia topping the global airlines category at 91.33 per cent – the top 10 per cent of all passenger airlines by capacity – flyadeal emerged as the most punctual overall when considering all carriers published in Cirium's June 2025 report. OTP measures flight punctuality within 15 minutes of scheduled arrivals. Almost eight years old, flyadeal operates more than 200 scheduled flights a day from three bases in Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam. Steven Greenway, flyadeal Chief Executive Officer, said: 'In September last year flyadeal secured Number 1 status as the world's best for operational performance. Today we are celebrating again being the world's most punctual airline based on all airlines in Cirium's monthly data. This is an incredible achievement as we've continued to grow capacity, the number of passengers flown and introduced new domestic and international routes. 'With this comes the need for consistency. Every month since the beginning of the year, flyadeal has maintained great consistency being the number one low-cost airline for punctuality in the Middle East that demonstrates our continued focus on safe and reliable operations. 'As we celebrate Saudia topping the global airlines category, in June, our OTP was the adjudged the best among all airlines in the Middle East and Africa in what was one of the busiest months of the year operating scheduled flights and Hajj charters. Congratulations go to flyadeal colleagues and our airport partners across the network for their dedication and commitment to maintain our operations at the highest levels of efficiency.' flyadeal currently operates a fleet of 39 aircraft from bases in Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam to over 30 year-round and seasonal destinations in the Middle East, North Africa, Europe and South Asia. By 2030, in line with Saudi Vision 2030, flyadeal expects to triple its network to over 100 destinations and more than 100 aircraft.
