Dhaka: Saudia Airlines has announced an ambitious plan to expand its fleet by adding 118 new aircraft, which will significantly enhance connectivity between Saudi Arabia and Bangladesh. This expansion aims to offer more flight options and cater to the growing travel demand between the two countries. The airline’s move is expected to particularly benefit Bangladeshi passengers traveling for Hajj, Umrah, and other purposes, further strengthening the ties between the two nations, according to a press statement issued by the airline.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the airline’s performance aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals, which focus on promoting tourism, religious travel, and economic collaboration with Bangladesh. The expansion is anticipated to benefit both countries’ shared interests significantly. Saudia, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, reported transporting 20 million international guests on both scheduled and additional flights in 2024. This figure marks a 16 percent increase compared to 2023, with transit guest numbers also surpassing 9.3 million, reflecting an 18 percent annual growth.
The airline emphasized that this remarkable growth not only underscores Saudia’s commitment to connecting the world to the Kingdom but also highlights its pivotal role in enhancing bilateral relations with countries like Bangladesh. As part of its ongoing digital transformation, Saudia has seen a significant increase in guest engagement with modern technologies, with Bangladeshi travelers being among the most active users.
In total, Saudia carried 35 million guests throughout 2024, marking a 15 percent year-on-year increase. The airline operated 193,000 scheduled and additional flights, a 10 percent growth compared to the previous year. Additionally, Saudia achieved an 8.5 percent increase in flight hours, totaling over 581,000 hours, while maintaining an on-time performance rate of 89.1 percent, a 2.7 percent improvement.
Guest satisfaction also experienced a notable rise, with the Net Promoter Score (NPS) reaching 32.7, a 4.5 percent increase, indicating enhanced satisfaction and an improved likelihood of recommending Saudia to others.