Saudia

[hishaq96]

Saudia have just announced NICE as a new destination any update on BHX?

 

[Birmingham Aviation]

Saudia have announced it has upgraded there aircraft:
3x B787-10
7x A321 Neo

They have also increased international flights to 40%

 

[mullion]

Sorry do you means new orders if so they will take several years to come online unless they are from leasing companies

 

[Timberwolf]

Saudia have just announced NICE as a new destination any update on BHX?

Nope nothing on BHX.Be a surprise if they do.No other foreign country in the World do they fly to 3 airports all within 100 miles of each other.
Really hope I'm wrong, andgetting a bit tight now for a run in for a June start

 

[Scania1800]

Nope nothing on BHX.Be a surprise if they do.No other foreign country in the World do they fly to 3 airports all within 100 miles of each other.
Really hope I'm wrong, andgetting a bit tight now for a run in for a June start

Unlikely along with Qatar Also not returning

 

[Brum X]

Yeah, don't expect either now until 2024 ;-(

 

[IanFarquharson]

Yeah, don't expect either now until 2024 ;-(

I am still hopefully for Qatar - August / September
Saudi - lots going on, so still look promising

 

[Timberwolf]

Unlikely along with Qatar Also not returning

I think Qatar may return in the future, but could depend on how much extra capacity EK and TK add and how quickly .

 

[Ray Finkle]

ACP has partnered with #SAUDIA to introduce four new international air routes, including the dynamic cities of #Beijing, #Birmingham, #Kano, and #Johannesburg. This successful partnership has led to expanding the #Kingdom’s presence in international markets and we look forward to continuing to support the #tourism industry's growth and development through our collaborative efforts.

SAUDI AIRLINES
MATARAT | مطارات
Saudi Tourism Authority | الهيئة السعودية للسياحة

#Vision2030
#VisitSaudi
#AirConnectivity

ACP | Saudi Air Connectivity Program (ACP) | برنامج الربط الجوي

ACP has partnered with #SAUDIA to introduce four new international air routes, including the dynamic cities of #Beijing, #Birmingham, #Kano, and #Johannesburg. This successful partnership has led to expanding the #Kingdom’s presence in international markets and we look forward to continuing to...

www.linkedin.com

 

[Scania1800]

ACP has partnered with #SAUDIA to introduce four new international air routes, including the dynamic cities of #Beijing, #Birmingham, #Kano, and #Johannesburg. This successful partnership has led to expanding the #Kingdom’s presence in international markets and we look forward to continuing to support the #tourism industry's growth and development through our collaborative efforts.

SAUDI AIRLINES
MATARAT | مطارات
Saudi Tourism Authority | الهيئة السعودية للسياحة

#Vision2030
#VisitSaudi
#AirConnectivity

https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7037064959633100800/[/URL

again to people who don’t know the allocations, Boeing 787-9, ( Occasional 777-300ER ), The 787-10 May also visit depending on if there’s any available.

 

[Kevin Farnell]

ACP has partnered with #SAUDIA to introduce four new international air routes, including the dynamic cities of #Beijing, #Birmingham, #Kano, and #Johannesburg. This successful partnership has led to expanding the #Kingdom’s presence in international markets and we look forward to continuing to support the #tourism industry's growth and development through our collaborative efforts.

SAUDI AIRLINES
MATARAT | مطارات
Saudi Tourism Authority | الهيئة السعودية للسياحة

#Vision2030
#VisitSaudi
#AirConnectivity

ACP | Saudi Air Connectivity Program (ACP) | برنامج الربط الجوي

ACP has partnered with #SAUDIA to introduce four new international air routes, including the dynamic cities of #Beijing, #Birmingham, #Kano, and #Johannesburg. This successful partnership has led to expanding the #Kingdom’s presence in international markets and we look forward to continuing to...

www.linkedin.com

Is this the closest yet to an official announcement?

 

[IanFarquharson]

Is this the closest yet to an official announcement?

Yes and backs up the fact the airline is talking about handling and crew hotels.

 

[Matt995]

https://www.saudia.com/pages/experi...-news/press-releases/press-release-02032023-1

02 March 2023

IN COOPERATION WITH THE AIR CONNECTIVITY PROGRAM, THE SAUDI TOURISM AUTHORITY, AND MATARAT, SAUDIA ADDS (4) NEW INTERNATIONAL DESTINATIONS​

The national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, SAUDIA has collaborated with the Saudi Air Connectivity Program (ACP) and Saudi Tourism Authority, to launch four new international destinations: Beijing (PRC), Birmingham (UK), Kano (Nigeria), and Johannesburg (South Africa).

Representing a significant expansion program for 2023, the route development follows the national carrier’s signing of an agreement with ACP and is in line with the program's objective of enhancing the Kingdom's point-to-point air connectivity and its reach to target international markets.
By collaborating with airlines to expand their operations in Saudi Arabia, ACP seeks to promote growth and development within the tourism and aviation sectors, working to strengthen the Kingdom’s position as a leading destination for international travel.
"The opening of four new air routes across three different regions is the result of strong collaboration between the Saudi tourism and aviation ecosystems," said Ali Rajab, CEO of ACP. "We are proud to have been part of these efforts. These new routes offer a diverse mix of travel opportunities in the Kingdom, unlocking its rich cultural heritage and inviting travelers from around the world to experience the beauty and diversity of this remarkable destination.
“Air connectivity will play an increasingly important role in enabling tourism growth and creating new opportunities for businesses and tourists alike. We look forward to building on this momentum to unlock new destinations, and create a brighter future for the Kingdom,” Ali Rajab added.
Capt. Ibrahim Koshy, CEO of SAUDIA, highlighted the airline's ongoing commitment to investing in operational expansion. “We are dedicated to continue optimizing our modern fleet to meet current and future expansion requirements,” he said. "In addition to the recent launch of the new service “Your Ticket, Your Visa” which is the first of its kind in the world has increased airline's competitive position with a market share of 40% for flights and seat capacity in the past year.”
Koshy also emphasized the importance of initiatives aimed at increasing SAUDIA's international market share, simplifying and facilitating travel procedures, and enhancing the travel experience for guests. In addition to increasing the Kingdom’s air connectivity, these initiatives also help grow the country’s budding tourism industry while improving its existing Hajj and Umrah-related travel networks.
Saudi’s tourism ecosystem has an ambitious target of reaching 100m visits annually by 2030, with air connectivity being a central part of achieving this goal. Saudi Tourism Authority's strategy focuses on understanding consumer demand and identifying key source markets. These new direct flight routes have been launched as a response to the uptick in consumer demand from travelers looking to visit or transit through Saudi from Beijing, Birmingham, Kano, and Johannesburg.
Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO and Member of the Board of Saudi Tourism Authority added that “Today’s announcement of four new routes demonstrates the power of the tourism ecosystem to work with airline partners to bring new capacity online. Through cross-government collaboration, we are continuing to build ease and connectivity to transform Saudi into a top tourism destination and meet our ambitious target to welcome 100m visits by 2030. This is significant as direct flight options are not only good news for international travelers but also create growth, opportunity, and investment in Saudi and across the world.”
MATARAT CEO, Eng.Mohammed Al Maghlouth, noted: “At MATARAT we are working with our ecosystem partners and airlines to enhance the airport experience for both air carriers and passengers in Saudi Arabia. Our focus is on delivering world-class services that meet the highest international standards, thus improving the travel experience for everyone. Al Maghlouth also stated that the inauguration marks a significant milestone in our efforts, as several airlines have announced plans to introduce direct flights from Saudi airports to new international destinations. This strategic initiative is aligned with the National Aviation Strategy's goals, a critical component of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, which aims to achieve the objectives outlined in Saudi Vision 2030 by adding 250 new international destinations and increasing passenger capacity to 330 million.”

 

[Nethercote2019]

Excellent to see this now in the public domain

 

[Timberwolf]

ACP has partnered with #SAUDIA to introduce four new international air routes, including the dynamic cities of #Beijing, #Birmingham, #Kano, and #Johannesburg. This successful partnership has led to expanding the #Kingdom’s presence in international markets and we look forward to continuing to support the #tourism industry's growth and development through our collaborative efforts.

SAUDI AIRLINES
MATARAT | مطارات
Saudi Tourism Authority | الهيئة السعودية للسياحة

#Vision2030
#VisitSaudi
#AirConnectivity

ACP | Saudi Air Connectivity Program (ACP) | برنامج الربط الجوي

ACP has partnered with #SAUDIA to introduce four new international air routes, including the dynamic cities of #Beijing, #Birmingham, #Kano, and #Johannesburg. This successful partnership has led to expanding the #Kingdom’s presence in international markets and we look forward to continuing to...

www.linkedin.com

Sadly this is not from the airline and was written BEFORE they got the additional slots out of LHR.
So looking likely yet again BHX has had incredibly bad luck.
Perhaps next year then ?

 

[Karl C]

Sadly this is not from the airline and was written BEFORE they got the additional slots out of LHR.
So looking likely yet again BHX has had incredibly bad luck.
Perhaps next year then ?

The article was dated yesterday and from Saudia's own website. Saudia wouldn't have posted this if it wasn't true....period.

 

[IanFarquharson]

News

Saudia targets Birmingham as part of international expansion​

By Phil Davies | March 03, 2023, 06:02

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Flights from Birmingham to Saudi Arabia are to be introduced as part of expansion plans by state carrier Saudia.
The new UK route is one of four new international services confirmed by the Saudi national flag carrier.
A launch date and frequency of flights from Birmingham airport were not undisclosed.
Saudia also plans to start serving Beijing, Johannesburg and Kano in Nigeria as part of a collaboration with the Saudi Air Connectivity Program (ACP).
Ali Rajab, chief executive of ACP, said: “The opening of four new air routes across three different regions is the result of strong collaboration between the Saudi tourism and aviation ecosystems.
“Air connectivity will play an increasingly important role in enabling tourism growth and creating new opportunities for businesses and tourists alike. We look forward to building on this momentum to unlock new destinations.”
Saudi Tourism Authority chief executive Fahd Hamidaddin said: “Today’s announcement of four new routes demonstrates the power of the tourism ecosystem to work with airline partners to bring new capacity online.
“Through cross-government collaboration, we are continuing to build ease and connectivity to transform Saudi into a top tourism destination and meet our ambitious target to welcome 100 million visits by 2030.
“This is significant as direct flight options are not only good news for international travellers but also create growth, opportunity, and investment in Saudi and across the world.”

 

[Karl C]

Flights from Birmingham to Saudi Arabia are to be introduced as part of expansion plans by state carrier Saudia.
The new UK route is one of four new international services confirmed by the Saudi national flag carrier.

The relevant word in this article is 'confirmed'

 

[gulftraveller]

There is, nevertheless, something odd about the ACP announcement. Johannesburg and Kano are already operating whilst Beijing is listed on Saudia’s Arabic website as coming soon. BHX is not mentioned.

 

[Karl C]

Odd maybe......and Saudia's website is still showing '10 New Routes for 2022'. Think İT dept need a nudge