1945: The Beginning
14 February
Wednesday, 14 February, 1945, marked the historic meeting of King Abdulaziz and US President Franklin D. Roosevelt, at which the American president expressed his wish to present His Majesty King Abdulaziz with a gift: a Douglas DC-3 aircraft.
14 April
On Saturday, 14 April 1945, the gifted aircraft arrived in Jeddah. The aircraft was received by His Royal Highness Prince Mansour bin Abdulaziz, the Minster of Defense and Inspector General at the time.
30 September
On Sunday, 30 September, 1945, this aircraft took off for the first time and carried His Majesty King, from Afif to Taif on a flight that took one hour and 20 minutes.
1940s: Foundation
The Bright Dawn
SAUDIA purchases two additional DC-3s in 1945 as decreed by His Majesty King Abdulaziz
Going International
The first international flights with Palestine in 1946
Starts flights to Damascus, Cairo in 1947 and Beirut in 1948
The Beginning of Cargo
Five Bristol 170 join SAUDIA’s fleet to start cargo services in 1949
1950s: Formation
Internal Maintenance
SAUDIA establishes Aircraft Maintenance Department in 1959
Bigger Fleet
The fleet grows to more than 35 in just a few years
1960s: Leadership
Pioneer Fleet
SAUDIA becomes the first airline in the Middle East to introduce jet-engine aircraft to its fleet with the B720 in 1962
Wider Network
SAUDIA’s flights cover all North African states
Independent Identity
Royal Decree establishes the Saudi Arabian Airlines Corporation as an independent entity in 1963
Entering the European Market
SAUDIA launches its first flights to Europe with London as their new destination
Flourishing
DC-6 aircraft dedicated to cargo services join SAUDIA in 1964
Arab Airline Alliance
SAUDIA Joins the Arab Air Carrier’s Organization (AACO) in 1965
The Age of Jet Aircraft
SAUDIA becomes the first airline in the Middle East to introduce B707 aircraft
Joining IATA
SAUDIA Joins the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in 1967
1970s: Achievements
Expanding the Fleet
76 of the latest B720s, B707s, B737s and Tristar aircraft join SAUDIA’s fleet
Carries one million passengers for the first time in 1972
Carries a record eight million passengers in 1979
The Most Modern Fleet
SAUDIA becomes the first airline in the Middle East to operate B747s in 1977
1980s: Global Exposure
The American Conquest
SAUDIA starts first flights to the USA in 1981
Entering the
Catering Industry
SAUDIA establishes the first dedicated catering unit in Jeddah to serve SAUDIA and other airlines in 1981
New Hub
SAUDIA moves to King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah 1981
Another Milestones
Carries a record 11 million passengers in 1983
1990s: Development
New HQ
SAUDIA moves to its new premises in Jeddah in 1994
50 Years Old
SAUDIA celebrates its 50th anniversary in a ceremony on 27 May, 1995
Greater Fleet
61 of the latest B747s, B777s, MD-90s and MD-11 aircraft join SAUDIA’s fleet
Loyalty Program
Launches the Alfursan loyalty programme in 1995
2000s: Innovation
International Reach
SAUDIA carries a record 1.3+ million guests in one month and 14 million guests annually in 2003
Revolution
Launching SAUDIA’s website to offer guests a technologically advanced travel experience in 2003
International Alliance
SAUDIA becomes the first airline in the Middle East to join the SkyTeam alliance in 2012
Employees Development
First batch of Future Pioneers program graduates to improve and develop employees’ skills and to prepare them to work in a professional work environment
Advanced Services
The birth of Saudi Ground Services Company to serve 28+ airports in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
International Award
SAUDIA becomes a Skytrax 4-star airline
The Top of the Top
The launch of the First Suite onboard
Holistic Travel Experience
Launching SAUDIA Holidays website to offer guests a comprehensive travel experience
The Youngest Fleet
151 new aircraft join SAUDIA’s fleet
SAUDIA TODAY
SAUDIA takes tremendous pride in being a global ambassador and a promoter of the Kingdom’s hospitable culture and traditions to millions around the globe by constantly increasing its fleet and improving its distinctive services at all times to accommodate the increasing numbers of guests.
