Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) has added a new feather in its cap by winning Platinum status for Fast Travel implementation from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Saleh Al-Jasser, director general of Saudia, received the certificate from Hussein Dabbas, regional vice president of IATA for Africa and Middle East, during a recent ceremony. Several senior officials of IATA and Saudi Airlines and Saudia Cargo attended the ceremony held on the sidelines of the periodic meeting between top officials of IATA and Saudia. Dabbas congratulated Saudia for its successes and outstanding services for passengers. "Saudia is one among the leading international aviation companies, which could score excellent performance through upgrading from the level of green to gold and then to platinum within a short span of time. Saudia has become one among eight airlines which were able to bag the prestigious Platinum status from 260 aviation companies that come under IATA," he said. Al-Jasser said Saudia has won the prestigious award as an outcome of its Transition Program initiatives and goals of strategic plan to increase its efficiency, upgrading services and re-investment in human resources and providing top quality services and products, he said. The Fast Travel program responds to passenger demand for a more seamless travel experience and more control through six time-saving, self-service initiatives. The national carrier was also able to raise its level of commitment with regard to requirements of electronic systems and self-service machines, reaching 80.14 percent. The program is based on improving the quality of services as well as electronic and self-services at airports with an objective of easing travel procedures, and saving time and efforts for the passengers. — SG
