JEDDAH: The assistant director general for communications at Saudia, Khaled bin Abdulqader Tash, said that the airline’s SV 2020 Transformation Program, launched five years ago to modernize its fleet through the acquisition of 84 new airplanes and various other improvements across all aspect of its business, has progressed well.

The transformation program is in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 program.

He said that Saudia has created multiple new jobs in airline services as part of the program, employing onboard chefs, butlers and flight attendants, in addition to holding intensified, specialized training programs for existing cabin crew employees to offer the best service possible to passengers on Saudia flights.

Tash said: “Saudia has always been keen to develop products on board flights, from developing food menus, offering a new package of comfort sets … (improving the onboard) entertainment system through adding the most recent movies and programs, in addition to providing the internet for all the guests of Saudia.”

Tash also said the airline had improved its online booking and sales systems. He pointed out that Saudia is a strategic partner of the Ministry of Tourism, and also partners with the Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Sport, and the General Entertainment Authority, highlighting and supporting events, initiatives and promoting the Kingdom abroad throughout the year.

As Saudi Arabia is the destination for all Muslims wishing to perform Hajj or Umrah, the airline has also partnered with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, offering digital products that facilitate the access of pilgrims to the holy sites with ease and comfort.

Saudia also has a partnership with the Ministry of Transport, which aims to help make the Kingdom an international logistics hub.