RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s national airline has topped the global airline rankings with an 88.22% on-time arrival rate in June, according to the latest data from independent flight tracking site Cirium.
Saudia Airlines operates 16,133 flights across a network of over 100 destinations on four continents, achieving an on-time departure rate of 88.73%.
This achievement is significant, considering that June is the busiest month for travel each year due to the Muslim Hajj pilgrimage and the summer tourist season. The kingdom welcomed around 2 million visitors during this year’s Hajj season.
According to the same report, Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport also ranked first as the world's most on-time airport in June for the second month in a row.
Saudi Arabia’s aviation industry is growing steadily, and by 2023, the industry will contribute $21 billion to the country’s GDP, further strengthening its position as a global tourism hub.
The National Transport and Logistics Strategy aims to increase the aviation industry’s contribution to GDP from the current 6% to 10% by 2030.
“This achievement is a realization of our strategic objective to enhance operational efficiency and quality through continuous improvement of flight schedules and implementation of best-in-class digital solutions and systems for operational management,” said Ibrahim Al-Omar, President of Saudia Group.
“Maintaining high levels 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.
Saudia Airlines has consistently ranked among the world's top 10 airlines for on-time performance since last year, a performance that the company said reflects its high-quality standards and commitment to aviation safety.
All operations are coordinated through one of the largest integrated operations control centres in the Middle East, which uses the latest technology for aircraft communications to monitor all procedures related to aircraft take-offs and landings at all domestic and international airports in real time, ensuring smooth operations.
Saudi Press Agency reported that Ayman Aboaba, CEO of Riyadh Airports Company, said King Khalid International Airport's top ranking on Cirium underscores the airport's commitment to operational excellence and serves as a catalyst for continuous improvement.
“This excellence reflects our commitment to quality and operational efficiency, which motivates us to work with various partners at King Khalid International Airport to provide our passengers with the best travel experience and highest level of service,” he added.
Aboaba also said, “Khalid Khalid International Airport is a national landmark that demonstrates the Kingdom’s status and future aspirations in line with the goals of Vision 2030.”
He stressed the importance of airport staff’s commitment to the highest operational standards and their continuous efforts to improve passenger experience, which he said are defining characteristics of airport staff.
King Khalid International Airport has been recognized as the world’s most punctual airport following Cirium’s ranking of third in January. The airport moved up to first place in May and maintained that position in June, demonstrating rapid and remarkable progress in recent years.
