JEDDAH: Saudi Arabian Airline is undergoing a major transformation in terms of its fleet and human resources to compete regionally and globally and provide better services to passengers, said Engineer Khalid Al-Molhem, Saudia Director General, at the opening here Monday of the annual Saudia conference. He said Saudia's new fleet will enable the national carrier to cope with increasing air traffic domestically and internationally. It will help Saudia to expand its network of destinations and increase its market share. He said the carrier's expansion will be “meaningless” if it is not accompanied by development of its services for customers. Dr. Hans Nillasko, a professor of Administration at San Francisco University, lectured the participants on change management and the need to continue to develop services to remain at the forefront of the industry. He also called for the formation of specialized teams to determine the needs of customers. Peter Philnger, Saudia Assistant Director General for Sales, highlighted sales development at Saudia and preparations being made to transform Saudia into an international airline company. He said plans were also being made to increase profits by rationalizing expenses and concentrating on direct sales through the Internet. Abdul Wahab Tufaha, Secretary General of Arab Federation for Air Transportation, delivered a speech in which he highlighted the present and future prospects of the air transportation industry in the Arab world in relation to the international market. Also present at the inaugural session at the Palace Hall at the Hilton Hotel in Jeddah were Abdul Aziz Bin Raheem Al-Hazami, Saudia Deputy Director General and senior officials.
