PARIS AIRSHOW: Saudia named 'World's most improved airline' at Skytrax awards

The annual awards ranks global airlines across multiple categories and recognises excellence across a variety of factors.

The airline that achieves the highest upward rating improvement across the different survey categories is named the Most Improved Airline.

In the main survey, Saudia moved close to the top-50 airlines (51st) and the airline was placed 5th in the Middle East staff service category.

The Saudia fleet has been subject to much change and upgrade over the last 12-months with new B777, B787 and A330 aircraft offering renewed product across all cabins. 

Saudia’s global ranking now stands at 51 worldwide, an improvement of 40% in a single year (the airline was ranked 82 and 84 in 2016 and 2015 respectively).

At the Skytrax ceremony to receive the award was Saudi Arabian Airlines Director General, Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser said:  “It is an honour to be here to receive this award on behalf of the entire Saudia team who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to build on Saudia’s strong aviation history as one of the founding air transport carriers in the Middle East. I would also like to express Saudia’s deep appreciation and gratitude to The Custodian Of The Two Holy Mosques, king Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Deputy Crown Prince for their continuous support to Saudia the kingdom’s flag carrier.  I also congratulate Saudia’s Chairman Dr. Ghassan Alshibl and the rest of the Board of Directors on this achievement.” 

He added: “As part of the airlines SV2020 Strategy & Transformation Plan, Saudia has invested in new aircraft, product innovation and service enhancements with a single purpose – to provide all of our guests with the highest level of hospitality and comfort in the skies.”