Saudia transports 7 mln passengers in Q1 2023

Saudia aircraft

Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) transported seven million passengers in the first quarter of 2023, a rise of 35% year-on-year (YoY) in passenger traffic.

The number of international passengers surged 94% YoY to 3.8 million, while domestic passengers stood at nearly 3.2 million, the airline said in an emailed statement to Argaam.

Flights increased by 5% YoY reaching 42,000 and total flight hours rose by 26% YoY to 127,500 hours.

The airline also operated more than 18,300 international flights during the three-month period, a rise of 40% YoY. Total flight hours grew by 55.2% YoY to 87,300. Saudia also operates 23,600 domestic flights with total flight hours of 40,100.

The airline added that its operations will grow in the coming period. It will soon receive its first Airbus A321 NX and A 321 XLR. Further, its previous order from Boeing B787 will be completed. Saudia will add 38 aircraft to its fleet by 2026, including the latest deal announced with Boeing to add 39 fuel-efficient 787s with options for 10 more airplanes.

In 2022, the total number of passengers, who flied on Saudia’s international and domestic flights, leapt 82% YoY to nearly 88 million, According to Argaam data.