Saudia Ranks First Globally For On-Time Performance

According to the independent aviation tracking site Cirium, Saudia ranked first worldwide for its on-time departure and arrival performance.

The Saudi flag carrier bested other global airlines in June 2024 with its on-time arrival rate of 88.2 percent. The airline also achieved an on-time departure rate of 88.73 percent. These cover its 16,133 flights to and from 100 destinations on four continents.

More importantly, Saudia hit the milestone in June, peak travel month for the yearly Hajj pilgrimage and the summer season.

Saudia: Enhancing operational efficiency

Saudia Group Director General Eng. Ibrahim Al-Omar remarked, “This accomplishment is a realization of our strategic goals to enhance operational efficiency and quality through continuous improvements in flight scheduling and implementing the best digital solutions and systems for operations management.”

“Maintaining a high level of on-time performance requires significant effort, as it involves overcoming numerous operational challenges in the aviation industry, such as weather conditions, high temperatures, technical issues, and other airport-related factors,” he added.

“I express my gratitude to all Saudia employees for their diligent work in maintaining the national flag carrier’s operational excellence.”

Saudia has been a constant contender among the top 10 best global airlines for on-time performance since 2023.

The Middle East’s largest Integrated Operation Control Center (IOCC) operates Saudia. Moreover, it uses cutting-edge aircraft communications technologies to oversee all departures and arrivals.

World’s most improved airline

This isn’t Saudia’s only recent milestone. In June, the international air transport rating organization Skytrax named Saudia the world’s most improved airline. It also won the award for Best Economy Class catering.

From its ranking of 82nd position in 2017, Saudia rose to the 23rd position in 2023, moving up to the 20th position in 2024. Its achievements are largely due to Saudia’s ‘SHINE’ transformation program, which aspires to boost operational efficiency and improve passenger experience.

Under ‘SHINE’, Saudia embraced and utilized different state-of-the-art technologies to enhance its products and services.

Also because of ‘SHINE’, Saudia was among the 2023 top ten global airlines for On-Time Performance (OTP) for six months.

Committed to sustainability

In May 2024, Saudia was also among the top five for arrival on-time performance and first for departure on-time performance.

In July 2024, the airline showed another proof of its commitment to sustainability and guest transportation. Saudia Group signed an agreement with Lilium for the purchase of up to 100 Lilium jets.

The deal is the biggest order yet for electric aircraft. Under the agreement with Saudia Group, Lilium must produce up to 50 electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) jets.

On top of this, Saudia Group will have the option to purchase up to 50 more. The agreement also covers “guarantees on aircraft performance and provisions on spare parts, repairs, and maintenance.”

Versus traditional options, eVTOL jets offer faster travel speeds, saving precious time for travelers. It also provides a way to escape traffic congestion, allowing passengers to attend events as they please.

Photo by Bornil Amin on Unsplash