JEDDAH: Saudi Arabian Airlines signed an agreement Monday to join the SkyTeam network in 2012, and will become the first airline in the Middle East to join the alliance of 13 airlines. The network, whose members share information and coordinate their flights and connections that require traveling on different carriers, makes it easier for people to travel throughout the world, officials said. The signing ceremony in Jeddah included showing documentaries about Saudi Arabian Airlines and SkyTeam, in addition to Saudi folklore dancing. Eng. Khalid Al-Molhem, Director General of Saudia, said the agreement is an honor for both sides. “I assure to SkyTeam that they have selected the right partner in the Middle East,” he said. “Saudi Arabian airlines is being improved to provide better services for its passengers all over the world,” he said. Joining SkyTeam will improve and add value to Saudia's services. “The SkyTeam network provides our customers with excellent connections to most parts of the world,” he said. “Through the exchange of services and knowledge between all member airlines, Saudi Arabian Airlines can achieve qualitative improvements in airport services, ground services and first class and business class passenger lounges.” He added that aviation in Saudi Arabia is developing at a rapid pace because of the high number of passengers coming to Makkah and Madina, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, which is a world center of energy. Leo van Wijk, SkyTeam chairman, said his organization selected Saudia because of its considerable growth and that the agreement will serve both parties. “It is a significant step to increase our position in the Middle East,” he said. Saudi Arabian Airlines complements the SkyTeam network by offering customers access to destinations across the Middle East that are not served by SkyTeam members, he added. Through Saudia's major hubs in Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam, travelers can connect to 35 new destinations in the Arabian Peninsula, India and cities including Alexandria, Casablanca and Beirut.
