Saudia Celebrates Three and a Half Decades of Connecting Cultures

Saudia, Saudi Arabia's national airline, recently celebrated a significant milestone: the 35th anniversary of its first flight between the Kingdom and Washington. This remarkable event was commemorated with the distribution of special keepsakes to guests at Washington Dulles International Airport, alongside on-board announcements that paid tribute to this historic occasion.

Highlighting the ceremony, Hisham Khalifa, Lead Agent for Customer Services and a member of the crew on that inaugural flight, was honored with a Certificate of Appreciation. The accolade was presented by Khaled Alehedeb, Regional Saudia Manager for North & South America, who emphasized the importance of acknowledging the dedication of employees who have been with the airline since its early forays into international travel. “This is a testament to Saudia’s commitment to its customers as well as its employees," Alehedeb remarked, underlining the airline's dual focus on customer service and employee recognition.

Since the launch of the Washington route in 1988, Saudia has been a key player in fostering stronger ties between Saudi Arabia and the United States, supporting not only business, tourism, and finance but also providing vital connections for students, families, and Hajj and Umrah pilgrims. In 2023 alone, the airline facilitated travel for over 152,800 passengers across 665 flights between the two destinations.

Currently, Saudia operates 14 weekly flights to and from Washington, split between Jeddah and Riyadh. These flights are serviced by the Boeing 777, which is famed for its fully enclosed first-class suites, ensuring an elevated travel experience for its passengers.

The 35th anniversary not only marks a significant chapter in Saudia’s history but also reaffirms the airline's role in bridging cultural and geographical distances. Through its commitment to excellence and innovation, Saudia continues to enhance the travel experience for its passengers, playing a pivotal role in international diplomacy and cross-cultural exchanges. As Saudia looks to the future, it remains dedicated to expanding its services, further strengthening the bonds between Saudi Arabia and the United States through the power of flight.