Saudia evolution, from new Business to network. Interview with sales marketing Fabio Zinanni
A growing airline, increasingly a major player on the international chessboard, which goes hand in hand with maxi plans [...]
Saudia
SkyTeam
Saudi Arabia
A growing airline, increasingly a major player on the international chessboard, which goes hand in hand with the maxi investment plans in the tourism and transport sector brought forward by theSaudi Arabia.
In this article:
Saudia is entering a new era, and this is evidenced by the airline's numerous interventions both in terms of network and fleet expansion and the product offered to its customers.
To learn more about Saudia's developments and plans, we asked Fabio Zinanni, sales marketing & PR Italy, What are the operational and product innovations that are characterizing the carrier (belonging to the alliance Skyteam) which has the ambitious goal of increasing from 102 current to 250 attainable international destinations by 2030.
The network and the new Business
What is Saudia's network on Italy and what is the major international news?
"Saudia operates from Rome and Milan with eight weekly frequencies to Jeddah and six for Riyadh, thus bringing to 14 the number of direct flights between Italy and Saudi Arabia during the summer period and with the possibility of extending one's travel on the global network. For example, we have expanded our network to China, the Philippines, India, as well as to Africa, the Maldives and Mauritius, just to name a few."
Are there any new routes leaving this year?
"New connections are added every year. The year 2023 sees the emergence-and also reconfirmations-of many destinations including Beijing, Dar es Salaam, Djibouti, Chittagong, Johannesburg, Kano, and Baghdad; in Europe, on the other hand, there are Nice, Lisbon, Malaga, Mikonos, Baku, Sarajevo, Candia, Rhodes, Larnaka, and also of Theodos in Montenegro.
At the recent Arabian Travel Market you presented the new Business...
"In Dubai, we have launched a product of the highest quality that will offer privacy and comfort beyond expectations. The suite is called "VantageSOLO" and offers significantly more privacy than previous business class configurations, with a shield at the back and an additional door on the aisle allowing for a fully intimate flight. The spacious seats can be fully reclined in bed mode, while the suite also features an 18-inch screen for better viewing and more space for all the various luggage and items that can be brought on board."
The loyalty program and the fleet
Can you tell us how Saudia's loyalty program works?
"The name of Saudia's program is Alfursan, which, translated into Italian, means "the riders," with a range of benefits and privileges designed to ensure the most from each trip. I Alfursan Associates can access a range of personalized services and earn award miles that can be used to earn upgrades to higher tiers and free flights. Alfursan is but one addition to the range of special privileges, designed to make air travel easier than ever: greater excess weight allowed for luggage, personalized luggage tags, and priority waiting lists are just some of the Alfursan privileges. But the benefits don't end there."
For example?
"With Alfursan you can take advantage of a number of offers, rewards and preferential rates on a range of services selected from our global program partners, which include car rental companies, credit card organizations and top hotels. Let's not forget that Saudia is part of Skyteam, so passengers who benefit from the program also have their miles recognized with many of our alliance partners. Thanks also to the Skyteam network, lounge access is made easier: the new lounge in Jeddah or the one in Riyadh have that extra touch of typical Saudi Arabian hospitality."
What are your plans for the fleet?
"First, the mega order to Boeing for 121 B787-Dreamliner aircraft, To be shared between the flag carrier Saudia and the newly launched carrier Riyadh Air. The contract, according to list prices, is valued at $37 billion, which the parties have been working on signing for more than three years: firm orders are expected for 78 aircraft and 43 options. The launch of Riyadh Air by the Saudi sovereign wealth fund, Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund, and Saudia's growth are part of a broader strategy to diversify its currently oil-based economy."
Is there any news about Italy, maybe the arrival of A321Xlr?
"Definitely part of this plan is the new Airbus A321 aircraft, which is already operating from Italy as well, currently from Milan, and will also soon enter On the routes from Rome, with an aircraft that reflects very high quality standards, both in terms of on-board comfort and ecology. The new configuration includes. 20 seats in Business Class and 168 seats in Guest Class which hints at the attention Saudia wants to give its passengers, with plenty of space between rows and absolute privacy for the passengers sitting in the twenty seats in front. The introduction of the A321Xlr will take place gradually in the coming months in Italy as well."
Fabio Zinanni, sales marketing & PR Italy for Saudia
What's new: from menus to free visas
How is the on-board service configured?
"Saudia offers its customers three travel classes on most of its flights: First Class, Business and Guest. The service is distinguished by having the highest standards in terms of hygiene, safety and quality Of the foods that are of utmost importance on all our flights. Each menu is built around the cuisine of the destination of arrival to give a taste of what to expect once you land. Due to shorter flight durations in the Middle East region, a smaller menu with fewer courses has also been designed, while maintaining standards at the highest level. Our goal, in fact, is to satisfy the needs of each passenger and that is precisely why we have more than 17 menus specially created for all dietary regimes."
The airline is growing in tandem with Saudi Arabia's boost to tourism. How the resent service works Your Ticket Your Visa?
"Launched last January, it is a unique service that offers guests even easier access to the Kingdom through a digital integration system that links transit visas with airline tickets. It aims to encourage passengers to execute theUmrah, visit key destinations and attend events during their transit through the Kingdom. The new service, which covers all international airports in the Kingdom, will in fact allow guests to stay in Saudi Arabia for up to 96 hours, during which they can travel within it and also perform the small Umrah pilgrimage. Digital integration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs facilitates the issuance of the transit visa and links it to the Saudia air ticket within three minutes. One very important thing is that the visa has a vmaximum alidity of 90 days".
