SAUDIA Launches First Direct Route Between Riyadh and Zurich in collaboration with the Air Connectivity Program

Saudi Arabian Airlines (SAUDIA), the Kingdom’s national flag carrier, inaugurated the first direct flight to its new international destination Zurich, Switzerland in collaboration with the Air Connectivity Program.

To commemorate the occasion, SAUDIA organized an inauguration ceremony at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh in the presence of the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Switzerland to the Kingdom, Dr. Andreas Schaller, the Chief Commercial Officer of SAUDIA, Mr. Arved Nikolaus Von Zur Muhlen, the VP Strategy & Communication from the Air Connectivity Program, Mr. Sultan Alotaify, and the VP of Route Development Ms. Anita Gackowska, along with a number of government officials working at the airport.

At the departure gate, a ribbon cutting ceremony took place to launch the new route as SAUDIA employees bid farewell to the traveling guests.

Mr. Muhlen, the CCO of SAUDIA stated, “With continuous support from the Air Connectivity Program, we at SAUDIA are excited to begin transporting passengers along the milestone route, effectively utilizing our fleet of 150 premium aircraft to best accommodate travelers to and from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia”.

Mr. Sultan Otaify, the Vice President of Strategy and Communications of The Air Connectivity Program, indicated that this type of fruitful local partnerships is a foundation stone for a series of future partnerships that aim to support and stimulate the aviation sector, establish new air routes and enhance the pace of flights, which contributes to the development of tourism in the kingdom.

The aircraft was received with a water salute to welcome the first direct flight from Saudi Arabia in Zurich International Airport where SAUDIA held another celebration for the return flight from Zurich to Riyadh in line with its goal to bring the world to the Kingdom. The event was attended by the Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Switzerland, Dr. Adel Siraj Mirdad, and the Regional SAUDIA Manager in Europe, the Mr. Hisham Bindkhail.

SAUDIA’s new route connecting Riyadh to Zurich will further utilize the airline’s extensive fleet, catering to guests with a range of convenient check-in methods, high-quality onboard services, and a comfortable flight experience that underlines the flag carrier’s commitment to excellence.

About Saudi Arabian Airlines (SAUDIA)

Saudi Arabian Airlines (SAUDIA) is the national flag carrier of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Established in 1945, the company has grown to become one of the Middle East’s largest airlines.

SAUDIA has invested significantly in upgrading its aircraft and currently operates one of the youngest fleet. The airline serves an extensive global route network covering around 100 destinations across four continents, including all 28 domestic airports in Saudi Arabia.

A member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the Arab Air Carriers Organization (AACO), SAUDIA has also been a member airline in SkyTeam, the second largest alliance, since 2012.

The airline is ranked as a Global Five-Star Major Airline by the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) and has been awarded Diamond status by APEX Health Safety powered by SimpliFlying in recognition of its comprehensive approach to safety during the pandemic.

Most recently, SAUDIA was named the Middle East’s Fastest Growing Airline in 2022 by Brand Finance® and the World’s Most Improved Airline in 2021 by Skytrax, the second time it has received this prestigious accolade.

For more information on Saudi Arabian Airlines, please visit www.saudia.com

ABOUT THE AIR CONNECTIVITY PROGRAM

The Air Connectivity Program is an initiative of the Saudi National Tourism Strategy established in 2021 by Saudi Arabia Council of Ministers’ resolution.  The program’s mandate is to enable Tourism Air Connectivity in support of the development of the Tourism Sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.