Saudia recently announced new direct flights connecting Jeddah and Riyadh with Beijing. Before this, travelers from Saudi Arabia to China only had Guangzhou as their direct link. With this move, Saudia has broadened its netowrk to the heart of China, Beijing.
Expanding the Global Network
In just seven months, Saudia added 25 new destinations to its flight map. But the direct route to Beijing remains a shining star in their collection. They now offer two flights every week, on Mondays and Fridays, directly from Jeddah to Beijing. And passengers from Riyadh aren’t left out; they can catch their direct flights to Beijing every Sunday and Wednesday.
Highlighting the significance of this move, Saudia Director General Ibrahim Al-Omar stated, “This affirms Saudia’s commitment to contribute to the National Aviation Strategy, aiming for 250 destinations by 2030.” It’s no secret that Saudia has been tirelessly working to augment its global presence. Ever since the launch of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy in 2021 by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudia has been on the move.
This latest venture into China isn’t just about increasing flight numbers; it’s a strategy to tap into a vast market. More than 1.4 billion people are now within easier reach of experiencing Saudi Arabia’s rich history, entertainment hubs, international sports events, and cultural diversity.
Chinese Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Chen Weiqing, shared his enthusiasm about the future, stating that both China and Saudi Arabia “have played and will continue to play a pivotal role in regional and global economic development.” He expressed optimism about the flourishing ties between the nations, crediting Saudia for bridging the gap.
The Historical Inauguration
Jeddah’s King Abdul Aziz International Airport witnessed a special moment when the inaugural flight SV886 took-off into the skies at around 01:15 a.m. with over 290 passengers. This diverse group, predominantly Chinese, Brazilians, and Saudis, embarked on a nearly 10-hour journey. Upon landing, the Boeing 787-9 received a water cannon salute at Beijing Daxing International Airport, also known as Beijing New Airport. The inauguration of the Beijing-Jeddah route also saw a celebration at the Beijing airport.
Kong Yue, the airport’s Deputy General Manager, emphasized the importance of these routes, recalling the recent visit of their president, Xi Jinping, to Saudi Arabia in December 2022. He remarked on the crucial role these routes play in enhancing business and travel communication between the two nations.
Building a Connected Future
Through a collaboration with the Air Connectivity Program, Saudia is focused on forging partnerships to boost global connections. Their efforts extend far beyond tourism, touching various sectors like trade, education, and culture. As Saudia noted in a press release, this route fortifies the bilateral ties between Saudi Arabia and China.
With plans to welcome over 100 million international visitors by 2030, Saudia remains committed to its goal. The airline, which recently climbed the ladder in Skytrax’s World Best Airlines ranking, looks forward to nurturing local talent, increasing job opportunities, and attracting corporate, leisure, and religious travelers.
Source: Arab News
First love never dies. I fell in love with airplanes and aviation when I was a kid. My dream was to become a pilot, but destiny led me to another path: to be an aviation digital media content creator and a small business owner. My passion for aviation inspires me to bring you quality content through my website and social accounts. Aviation is indeed in my blood and blog!
