New aircraft to ease pressure on Saudia

Saudi Arabian Airlines chief Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser said the airline will retire its Jumbo and Embraer aircraft at the end of the year, stressing that there is no dispute between Saudia and the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA).
In case of any disagreements, they are resolved through dialogue and negotiations in order to achieve the larger national goals, he said. According to a report in a local publication, the new fleet will lead to a 20 percent reduction in airfare.
During a meeting with the media, Al-Jasser said the airline will, in the first phase, rely on foreign pilots for its new planes.
“The airline will be ready for its initial public offering (IPO) after completing all necessary requirements and the restructuring of subsidiaries and sister companies,” he added.
In the case of customers with special needs, he said there are technical obstacles to performing electronic booking procedures, but as part of the airline’s national initiatives, it has prepared an office in Jazan to serve soldiers who took part in Operation Restoring Hope.
Saudia has taken delivery of its first A330-300 Regional, making it the launch customer for this new member of the versatile and successful A330 family.
The aircraft is the first of the 20 A330-300 Regional aircraft ordered at the 2015 Paris Airshow, and joins Saudi Arabian Airlines’ existing Airbus fleet of 12 A330-300s and 50 A320 Family aircraft.
Specially optimized for regional and domestic operations, the A330-300 Regional will boost capacity on several of Saudi Arabian Airlines’ most in-demand routes, enabling the airline to generate additional efficiencies while offering its passengers an unprecedented comfort level.
The first plane landed at King Abdul Aziz International Airport in Jeddah in the evening. On board were Al-Jasser, as well as several executives and local media representatives.
The new aircraft has contributed to the transformation of the fleet and the airline’s growth strategy, which is in line with the goals of the National Transformation Program and Vision 2030.

Source: Arab News