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Aviation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is dominated by the national
carrier, Saudi
Arabian Airlines,
which once enjoyed monopoly status. However, more recently the sector has
been opened to competition with the entrance of two privately owned LCCs
Sama Airlines and NAS
Air. The
country’s main international gateway is the Jeddah
King Abdulaziz International Airport,
which is also the major hub for Saudi Arabian airlines. Capa
Aviation.
NONSTOP RIYADH - LOS ANGELES: SAUDIA READY TO MAKE AVIATION HISTORY
Aug 05, 2015
This Friday, August 7, will be another historic day for Saudi
Arabian Airlines (Saudia) and for the international aviation
industry.
Saudi Arabian Airlines is all set for the very first nonstop flight
from Los Angeles to the Saudi Arabian capital city of Riyadh.
Known for its excellent service, an ultra-modern Saudia Boeing
B777-300ER will be making this inaugurate flight which, at more than
16 hours, should be one of the longest flights in commercial
aviation today.
The Saudi flag carrier launched its Jeddah to Los Angeles nonstop
service last year, on March 31, 2014. It started with 3 flights a
week, and currently during the summer peak season, the frequency for
this route was increased to 5 flights weekly.
While the nonstop LAX-RUH flights will only be limited to the month
of August due to the airline’s peak period, the service is expected
to be restored in the future to fulfill the needs of Saudi Arabian
students and the diplomatic community, as well as business travelers
who prefer to fly nonstop to the Saudi capital.
Aside from Los Angeles International, Saudia flies daily to New York
JFK, daily to Washington Dulles International, and 3 times a week to
Toronto Pearson International Airport. All flights are nonstop
either from and to Jeddah or Riyadh. Saudia's flights are timed to
have convenient connections to all Saudi domestic points and to
other international destinations beyond Saudi Arabia in the Middle
East, Asia, Africa, and Europe.
Saudi Arabian Airlines currently flies to more than 80 destinations
worldwide. As a member of the global airline alliance, SkyTeam,
Saudia has access to more than 1,000 worldwide destinations serviced
by the alliance’s 20 airline members.
All flights are operated with Boeing B777-300ER offering 2- and
3-class configurations. The RUH-LAX flights have 24 seats in First
Class, 36 seats in Business Class, and 245 seats in its Guest
Class.
Saudia recently announced the acquisition of 50 new Airbus A330 and
A320 aircraft. Eight Boeing B787-900 Dreamliners are also on order
with the first aircraft expected to be delivered at the end of the
year.
SAUDIA ALL SET FOR ITS INAUGURAL FLIGHT TO LOS ANGELES
BY NELSON ALCANTARA, MAR 30, 2014
Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) today announced that it has completed
all preparations for its first flight to Los Angeles, Monday, March 31,
2014.
A Saudi delegation headed by its Chief Executive Officer and Director
General Designate, Mr. Abdulaziz Alhazmi, which also includes a
contingent of Saudi journalists, are on board the airlines’ newest
aircraft, a B777-300ER, the airline said.
“Saudia’s inaugural flight to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is
a manifestation of our continued efforts to expand our global reach to
better service our valued customers,” according to Alhazmi. “The
services to LAX, following our launch to Toronto, Canada in October last
year and the resumption of our flights to Manchester, UK, are just some
of the components of this initiative to claim our rightful place among
the world’s leading carriers.”
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti also had positive comments on the entry
of Saudia into the LA market. "On behalf of the City of Los Angeles, I
would like to welcome the first Saudi Arabian Airlines direct flight
from Jeddah to Los Angeles, where travelers will enjoy our scenic
beaches, magnificent mountains, vibrant museums, world class
restaurants, and bountiful business opportunities," said Mayor Garcetti.
"And I look forward to welcoming again Saudia passengers on their many
return trips to the City of Angels."
Gina Marie Lindsey, Executive Director of Los Angeles World Airports,
which administers Los Angeles’ primary airport, also released a
statement congratulating Saudia. “We congratulate Saudia on the
inauguration of service at LAX to Saudi Arabia," she said. “This is the
type of quality air service we want to keep attracting to LAX.”
Saudia said it will operate three flights weekly between Saudi Arabia
and Los Angeles on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays, with the flight
originating in the capital city Riyadh, stopping over in Jeddah before
flying nonstop to Los Angeles.
Saudia’s Boeing B777-300ER aircraft has a 3-class configuration, with 24
seats in First Class, 36 seats in Business Class and 245 seats in its
Guest Class. Saudia also flies to New York JFK International, Washington
Dulles International and Toronto Pearson International Airport.
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