APRIL 2016 | 43 From the DC-3 to the 787 Dreamliner, Boeing has had a long partnership BY SAFFANA MICHAEL Key for the Kingdom with the national airline of Saudi Arabia hen it launched operations in 1946 to serve hajj pilgrims from neighboring countries, Saudi Arabia’s fledgling national airline had one destination in mind—the Red Sea port of Jeddah, gateway to Mecca. Then known as Saudi Arabian Airlines, it operated with a single DC-3 that had been a gift to King Abdul Aziz Al Saud from U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Fast-forward to the present. The airline, now called Saudia, serves 55 global destinations with a modern, mixed fleet that includes 48 Boeing jets—including 777s and three new 787-9 Dreamliners delivered in February. The first of eight on order, the Dreamliners are part of Saudia’s effort to grow and upgrade its fleet, enhance the travel experience and grow digital connectivity, said Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, the airline’s director-general. “Today, we are proud to be moving passengers locally, regionally and internationally, which means we need a versatile fleet of airplanes for short-, medium- and long-haul routes,” he said. “The 787 will now become an integral part of our fleet as we continue our modernization and expansion plans.” The first three Dreamliners are already in service—to Dubai; Istanbul; Casablanca, Morocco; Manchester, England; and Paris. The airline first offered nonstop international service in 1981 with flights from Jeddah to New York on a Boeing 747. Over the past 55 years, the airline has taken delivery of more than 130 Boeing and heritage-Boeing airplanes, including 707s, 737s, MD-11Fs, DC-9s and MD-90s. “Boeing airplanes have played a significant role in the expansion of Saudia and in the development of the aviation industry in Saudi Arabia,” Al-Jasser said. Assuming leadership in 2014, he promised a new spirit of innovation to improve performance and customer service. Last year, Saudia shifted to electronic navigational charts, expanded Web-surfing capabilities for passengers on international flights, and became the world’s first airline to introduce a comprehensive flight guide in Braille. Passengers can even store their boarding pass in an Apple watch and check in at the gate by placing their wrists under the bar-code reader. Saudia won recognition for those efforts last October, earning “most improved in social media” in awards given by Singapore-based aviation consulting firm SimpliFlying. “Technologically advanced airplanes such as the Boeing 777 and 787 enable us to provide a memorable in-flight experience for our passengers,” Al-Jasser said. “And we are continuously innovating to be inclusive and diverse in the services and facilities we offer our passengers. • SAFFANA.MICHAEL2@BOEING.COM CUSTOMER PROF I L E Photo: The first 787-9 for Saudia awaits delivery at the Everett, Wash., factory in February. BOEING W
Frontiers April 2016 Issue
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