Latest news with #StevenGreenway
Zawya
a day ago
- Business
- Zawya
Flyadeal announces impressive 2025 half year performance topped by global No.1 ranking for operational punctuality
Six-month highlights include first ever widebody aircraft order Jeddah, Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia – flyadeal, Saudi Arabia's fast-growing low-cost carrier (LCC), has announced half-year performance figures that exceeded growth expectations with milestones and achievements topped by becoming the world's most punctual airline in June. Compared with the first half of 2024, the six months to June 2025 saw flyadeal passenger numbers increase 25% to just over five million which outstripped the 21% seat capacity growth. With 33,400 flights operated – 200 daily for the first time since flyadeal's inception in 2017 – thanks largely to a near 60 per cent increase in the number of routes flown during the six months, the airline surpassed the industry average for best On-Time Performance of any low-cost Middle East airline for six consecutive months. In June, flyadeal was acclaimed for being the world's most punctual airline achieving 91.77% operational performance based on flights within 15 minutes of scheduled arrival. Operational highlights for January – June 2025 over the same period in 2024 Number of passengers carried rose 25 per cent to 5.05 million Seat capacity increased 21 per cent Total flights operated were up 20 per cent to 33,400 Number of routes flown went up 57 per cent to 127 from three bases in KSA Fleet grew by five aircraft to 39 Most punctual airline in the world with On-Time Performance peaking at 91.77% Six consecutive months as best Mid East low-cost airline for punctuality Launched scheduled flights to Pakistan signaling first move into South Asia Key milestones and achievements in H1 2025 Joined sister airline Saudia's AlFursan loyalty scheme for members to earn and redeem miles on flyadeal flights Historic order for 10 Airbus A330 widebody aircraft for long-haul flying Graduation of first 10 of 150 cadet pilots under new Saudi government scholarship programme flyadeal announced Saudi cabin crew to be trained as certified tour guides in ground-breaking regional initiative flyadeal joined industry body International Air Transport Association Headcount rose 21% to 1,600 employees Steven Greenway, flyadeal Chief Executive Officer, commented: 'The 2025 first-half performance demonstrated flyadeal's ongoing commitment to growth in both passengers flown and available seat capacity. But more importantly our business evolved in areas with continued focus on core values of operating at low-cost airline, at high efficiency and with service excellence. 'With the number of routes flown increase by almost 60% compared with the six corresponding months of 2024, we achieved 200 daily flights for the first time in June. As the fleet reached 39 aircraft, our milestone 40th has just been delivered in July giving us more capacity to increase frequency on existing services and add new destinations.' He added: 'Achieving status as the world's most punctual airline in June was indicative of our commitment to operational excellence while increasing capacity. The introduction of scheduled flights to Karachi in Pakistan – our first move into South Asia – and the addition of Istanbul's second airport of Sabiha Gökçen and Alexandria as our fourth year-round destination in Egypt, is evident of our approach to introduce new markets and strengthen existing ones. 'As we look forward to the coming months of boosting our network including adding Islamabad, Sialkot and Peshawar to boost our Pakistan operations, we are on course for year-end to reach another milestone of 40 million passengers carried since our very first flight. 'We will continue to invest in increasing our personnel across all departments which has already touched 1,600 and on target to triple the number by 2030. This will include onboarding more Saudi First Officers trained through a cadet pilot initiative that began in February under the Saudi government's scholarship programme that will see 150 trainees undergo training over the next two years.' Greenway explained that joining sister airline Saudia's AlFursan loyalty programme, securing a first-ever strategic airline partnership with the Philippines' LCC Cebu Pacific for a two-way wet-leasing aircraft arrangement, and placing a historic order for Airbus A330 widebody aircraft to enter the long-haul scheduled market, showed how flyadeal was evolving its LCC business model into other areas yet maintaining its low-cost principles. flyadeal currently operates a fleet of 40 aircraft from bases in Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam to more than 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. About flyadeal On 23 September 2017, National Day of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, flyadeal began operations with its historic maiden flight from Jeddah to Riyadh. A pioneer and innovator, flyadeal was the first regional low-cost airline to be launched only across digital distribution channels. Being the sister airline of full-service national carrier Saudia — both under the umbrella ownership of Saudi Arabian Airlines Corporation (Saudia Group) — flyadeal was created for the price-conscious and tech-savvy consumer in mind in a market where 80 per cent of the Saudi population is aged less than 40 years and has at least two mobile phones. flyadeal aims to stimulate travel, tourism and trade with its affordable, value for money everyday fares catering to leisure, religious, family and business travellers. Simplicity is key with an all-Economy Class cabin across flyadeal's narrowbody fleet. With the Kingdom undergoing dramatic transformation through its Vision 2030 economic diversification drive, aviation and tourism are among the many sectors earmarked for dynamic growth. flyadeal is the fastest growing airline in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Middle East, recognised for excellence in on-time performance that is consistently above the global industry average. In May 2024, flyadeal placed its biggest ever order for 51 aircraft – 12 A320neos and 39 larger A321neos – with a delivery schedule beginning in 2027. In addition, flyadeal will operate long-haul scheduled services from 2027 with the phased induction of 10 Airbus A330neo widebody aircraft ordered by Saudia Group in April 2025. flyadeal's aggressive expansion drive makes the rapidly growing airline one of the country's most desirable companies to work for. For more information, please contact: Updesh Kapur Corporate Communications Department Email:
Arab News
7 days ago
- Business
- Arab News
flyadeal receives milestone 40th aircraft in France
flyadeal, Saudi Arabia's fast-growing low-cost airline, has taken delivery of its newest and milestone 40th aircraft in a ceremony attended by employees flown specially to France for the handover. Thirteen staff, including crew and competition winners chosen in a lucky draw from across the company, were given a behind-the-scenes tour of Airbus' aircraft assembly plant in Toulouse, southern France, before taking the delivery flight back to Saudi Arabia. The airline's 29th A320neo, named Al-Faras ('The Horse'), is part of flyadeal's 40-strong narrowbody fleet that also includes 11 of the A320ceo variant. Captain Naif Almatrafi, director of operations, flyadeal, was handed over the keys to the airline's latest flying asset by Airbus management before commanding the aircraft for the near six-hour flight to Jeddah. He was joined in the cockpit by co-pilot Lawrence Itani from Lebanon. Steven Greenway, flyadeal CEO, said: 'An incredibly proud moment for the flyadeal family to now operate a fleet of 40 aircraft in such a short time of less than eight years since our very first flight. It's an amazing achievement, a great milestone, and one to build on as we continue to expand with vigor to meet our growth targets. 'What's even more special is we flew a number of our employees to Toulouse for a memorable trip to see firsthand the hard work that goes into planning, building, assembling and delivering an aircraft. Boarding the aircraft as special passengers for the journey back to the Kingdom was a bonus dream flight to cherish. Thanks to our partners at Airbus for their hospitality in supporting the visit.' Captain Abdulaziz Bahri, flyadeal chief operating officer, added: 'Being the backbone of our fleet, the A320neos have demonstrated operational resilience, great performance efficiency and, importantly, contributed significantly to punctuality as reflected in our extremely consistent and above industry average on-time departure and arrival data, which only last month showed we were the world's most punctual airline.' flyadeal has rapidly developed into the Middle East's fastest growing airline operating its young fleet from bases in Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam to more than 30 year-round and seasonal destinations across Saudi Arabia, and in the Middle East, Europe, North Africa 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. As part of future fleet requirements, flyadeal placed its largest-ever order last year for 51 Airbus A320 family aircraft, comprising 12 A320neos and 39 larger A321neos, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2027.
Zawya
22-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Flyadeal takes delivery Of 40Th aircraft
Toulouse, FRANCE – flyadeal, Saudi Arabia's fast-growing low-cost airline, has taken delivery of its newest and milestone 40th aircraft in a ceremony attended by employees flown specially to France for the handover. Thirteen staff, including crew and competition winners chosen in a lucky draw from across the company, were given a behind-the-scenes tour of Airbus' aircraft assembly plant in Toulouse, southern France, before taking the delivery flight back to Saudi Arabia. The airline's 29th A320neo, named Al Faras ('The Horse'), is part of flyadeal's 40-strong narrowbody fleet that also includes 11 of the A320ceo variant. Saudi national Captain Naif Almatrafi, flyadeal Director of Operations, was 'handed' over the keys to the airline's latest flying asset by Airbus management before commanding the aircraft for the near six-hour flight to Jeddah. He was joined in the cockpit by co-pilot Lawrence Itani from Lebanon. Steven Greenway, flyadeal Chief Executive Officer, said: 'An incredibly proud moment for the flyadeal family to now operate a fleet of 40 aircraft in such a short time of less than eight years since our very first flight. It's an amazing achievement, a great milestone, and one to build on as we continue to expand with vigour to meet our growth targets. 'What's even more special is we flew a number of our employees to Toulouse for a memorable trip to see firsthand the hard work that goes into planning, building, assembling and delivering an aircraft. Boarding the aircraft as special passengers for the journey back to the Kingdom was a bonus dream flight to cherish. Thanks to our partners at Airbus for their hospitality in supporting the visit.' Captain Abdulaziz Bahri, flyadeal Chief Operating Officer, added: 'For the operations team at flyadeal, this has been an exciting moment we've been looking forward to. As we induct more aircraft into the fleet that enables us to increase frequency on existing routes and open up new routes domestically in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and internationally, a growing network means more choice for the travelling public. 'Being the backbone of our fleet, the A320neos have demonstrated operational resilience, great performance efficiency and, importantly, contributed significantly to punctuality as reflected in our extremely consistent and above industry average On-Time departure and arrival data which only last month showed we were the world's most punctual airline.' flyadeal has rapidly developed into the Middle East's fastest growing airline operating its young fleet from bases in Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam to more than 30 year-round and seasonal destinations across Saudi Arabia, and in the Middle East, Europe, North Africa 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. Sporting a spacious cabin of 186 all-Economy Class seats in a 3 – 3 configuration, flyadeal's A320s feature interiors of the highest standards and specifications for a low-cost airline. These include leather seats with a custom diamond stitch pattern and embossed logo together with larger than normal overhead bins. As part of future fleet requirements, flyadeal placed its largest ever order last year for 51 Airbus A320 family aircraft, comprising 12 A320neos and 39 larger A321neos, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2027. About flyadeal On 23 September 2017, National Day of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, flyadeal began operations with its historic maiden flight from Jeddah to Riyadh. A pioneer and innovator, flyadeal was the first regional low-cost airline to be launched only across digital distribution channels. Being the sister airline of full-service national carrier Saudia — both under the umbrella ownership of Saudi Arabian Airlines Corporation (Saudia Group) — flyadeal was created for the price-conscious and tech-savvy consumer in mind in a market where 80 per cent of the Saudi population is aged less than 40 years and has at least two mobile phones. flyadeal aims to stimulate travel, tourism and trade with its affordable, value for money everyday fares catering to leisure, religious, family and business travellers. Simplicity is key with an all-Economy Class cabin across flyadeal's narrowbody fleet. With the Kingdom undergoing dramatic transformation through its Vision 2030 economic diversification drive, aviation and tourism are among the many sectors earmarked for dynamic growth. flyadeal is the fastest growing airline in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Middle East, recognised for excellence in on-time performance that is consistently above the global industry average. The airline has flown over 35 million passengers since its inaugural flight. flyadeal will operate long-haul scheduled services from 2027 with the phased induction of 10 Airbus A330neo widebody aircraft ordered by Saudia Group in April 2025. flyadeal's aggressive expansion drive makes the rapidly growing airline one of the country's most desirable companies to work for.
Tourism Breaking News
22-07-2025
- Business
- Tourism Breaking News
flyadeal opens Dubai office and appoints Orient Travel as General Sales Agent
Post Views: 29 flyadeal opened a dedicated sales office in Dubai to support customers and the travel trade in the latest move to increase its presence in the Emirate. With the appointment of Orient Travel as the airline's new General Sales Agent (GSA) responsible for overseeing flyadeal sales in the UAE, the airline has also recruited Mudassir Dhanse as its dedicated new UAE Country Sales Manager. The flyadeal office opening within the premises of Orient Travel on Sheikh Zayed Road was attended by key travel partners. His Excellency Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan bin Khalid Al Qasmi, accompanied by Orient Travel co-owner Her Excellency Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid bin Sultan Al Qasmi, presided over the opening that included Orient Travel's CEO Asim Arshad and visiting senior management from flyadeal headquarters in Jeddah led by CEO Steven Greenway and Chief Commercial and Customer Officer, Rogier van Enk. To mark the official opening, flyadeal management also hosted an event in Dubai for the UAE travel trade to provide company updates. flyadeal currently operates up to six daily scheduled flights between Riyadh and Dubai International, a route launched just over two years ago. The airline also has a daily service linking the Saudi capital with Dubai World Central in southern Dubai that began in summer 2024. Steven Greenway, flyadeal Chief Executive Officer, said: 'flyadeal has built up a successful split operation in Dubai to serve travellers in the heart of the city and the southern part to make accessibility easier for all. Of course we are looking to build capacity even further from up to seven daily flights across both Dubai airports as we induct new aircraft into the fleet. It's just a matter of time before we increase frequency on these highly popular routes as we also look at venturing beyond Dubai exploring additional new route opportunities into other UAE markets.' Farooq Ahmad, flyadeal Head of Sales, added: 'We've been gradually stepping up our international sales support network across the region. The addition of a GSA in Dubai to cover the UAE and dedicated resource having Mudassir onboard, who is well known to the UAE travel trade, provides us with a strong presence to provide our passengers and travel trade with the go-to support in one of the most dynamic markets in the Gulf.' flyadeal has been catapulted into the region's fastest growing airline with a current fleet of 39 Airbus A320 family aircraft serving over 30 seasonal and year-round destinations in Saudi Arabia, Middle East, Europe, North Africa and South Asia. The airline is set to more than triple in size in fleet and destinations served by 2030. The carrier has embarked on its summer flying programme with the return of popular destinations in Egypt, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Saudi Arabia's youngest and region's fastest growing low-cost airline welcomes back the Egyptian holiday resort of Sharm El Sheikh; the Turkish hot spot of Trabzon; Baku and Tbilisi, the capital cities of Azerbaijan and Georgia, respectively; and the cultural city of Sarajevo in Bosnia and Herzogovina, to its summer network with a flying programme from Riyadh and Jeddah. The seasonal capacity comes on top of flyadeal's recently-introduced year-round scheduled services from the Kingdom to Alexandria and Assiut in Egypt, and Istanbul's second airport of Sabiha Gökçen.
Arab News
21-07-2025
- Business
- Arab News
flyadeal expands regional footprint with new Dubai office
Saudi Arabia's fast-growing low-cost airline flyadeal has opened a dedicated sales office in Dubai to support customers and the travel trade, in the latest move to increase its presence in the emirate. With the appointment of Orient Travel as the airline's new general sales agent responsible for overseeing flyadeal sales in the UAE, the airline has also recruited Mudassir Dhanse as its new UAE country sales manager. The opening ceremony of the new office, located within the premises of Orient Travel on Sheikh Zayed Road, was attended by key travel partners. Orient Travel Co-owners Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan bin Khalid Al-Qasmi and Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid bin Sultan Al-Qasmi, presided over the opening. Orient Travel CEO Asim Arshad and visiting senior management from flyadeal headquarters in Jeddah, led by CEO Steven Greenway and Chief Commercial and Customer Officer Rogier van Enk, were also present. flyadeal currently operates up to six daily scheduled flights between Riyadh and Dubai International Airport, a route launched just over two years ago. The airline also has a daily service linking the Saudi capital with Dubai World Central in southern Dubai that began in summer 2024. flyadeal CEO Greenway said: 'flyadeal has built up a successful split operation in Dubai to serve travelers in the heart of the city and the southern part to make accessibility easier for all. Of course we are looking to build capacity even further from up to seven daily flights across both Dubai airports as we induct new aircraft into the fleet. It's just a matter of time before we increase frequency on these highly popular routes as we also look at venturing beyond Dubai exploring additional new route opportunities into other UAE markets.' Orient Travel has been named flyadeal's new general sales agent responsible for overseeing the airline's sales in the UAE. Farooq Ahmad, flyadeal head of sales, added: 'We've been gradually stepping up our international sales support network across the region. The addition of a GSA in Dubai to cover the UAE and having Mudassir onboard, who is well known to the UAE travel trade, provide us with a strong presence to provide our passengers and travel trade with the go-to support in one of the most dynamic markets in the Gulf.' flyadeal has become one of the region's fastest growing airlines with a current fleet of 39 Airbus A320 family aircraft serving more than 30 seasonal and year-round destinations in Saudi Arabia, Middle East, Europe, North Africa and South Asia. The airline is set to more than triple in size in fleet and destinations served by 2030. The carrier has just embarked on its summer seasonal flying program with the return of popular destinations in Egypt, Turkiye, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
