GHULAM ABBAS
ISLAMABAD: In a remarkable achievement during the peak travel season of June, Saudia, the national flag carrier of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, has secured the top spot for global on-time performance. According to a report by the independent aviation tracking site Cirium, Saudia achieved an on-time arrival rate of 88.22% and an on-time departure rate of 88.73%, operating 16,133 flights across its network of over 100 destinations on four continents. This achievement is particularly notable given that June is a peak travel month due to the Hajj and summer travel seasons.
In addition to this global recognition, Saudia’s punctuality is especially commendable for its operations in Pakistan. The airline’s commitment to maintaining high on-time performance standards has been instrumental in ensuring reliable connections between major Pakistani cities and Saudi Arabia. This not only enhances travel convenience for passengers but also strengthens the economic and cultural ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
His Excellency Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, highlighted, “This accomplishment is a realization of our strategic goals to enhance operational efficiency and quality through continuous improvements in flight scheduling and the implementation of the best digital solutions and systems for operations management. Maintaining a high level 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. I express my gratitude to all Saudia employees for their diligent work in maintaining the national flag carrier’s operational excellence.”
Saudia has consistently been among the top ten global airlines for on-time performance since last year, demonstrating its commitment to providing the highest standards of quality and air safety. Its operations are managed through the largest Integrated Operation Control Center (IOCC) of its kind in the Middle East, which operates within a comprehensive system involving all sectors and group companies. Additionally, the center utilizes the latest technologies for aircraft communications, ensuring smooth operations by monitoring all procedures related to aircraft takeoff and landing in real time at all domestic and international stations.
