Saudi flag carrier open to code share deals with Phl airlines

MANILA, Philippines - Saudi Arabian Airlines, the flag carrier of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is open to entering into code share agreements with airlines in the Philippines to expand its operations in Southeast Asia.

Abdul Aziz Al-Hazmi, chief executive officer of Saudia Airlines, said in an interview with reporters during the opening of Saudia’s new office in Makati City that the airline is interested in partnering with other airlines to improve its service to passengers.

He pointed out that the Philippines is a very important market for Saudia Airlines.

“We would love to work with everyone here in this market to grow our business to whatever is good for the interest of our partners. We are more than happy to code share with other airlines,” Al-Hazmi said.

However, he pointed out that the partnership would be limited to code-share agreement and would not involve any equity participation.

 “It is not in our priority to invest in other airlines. We still have a lot to do within our own airline,” he added.

The official made the statement as national carrier Philippine Airlines Inc. (PAL) of taipan Lucio Tan is reportedly looking for a foreign strategic partner.

Saudia Airlines is set to double its flights to Manila starting next year to accommodate the growing number of Filipinos working in the Middle East. It would start flying twice daily in the first quarter of the year from the current frequency of daily flights.

He pointed out that the aircraft used in direct flights between Manila and Saudi Arabia would be upgraded to Boeing 777-300ER from Boeing 747-400 beginning next year.

Saudia Airlines began operating flights in 1982 with two flights per week transporting 43,388 passengers. The airline flew 403,254 in 2013. It already flew 314,532 passengers in the first nine months of the year.

Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, director general of Saudia Airlines, said the Philippines is an important market for the airline since there is a large number of Filipinos working and living in Saudi Arabia.

There are around 700,000 Filipinos in Saudi Arabia.

“Manila is considered as one of the airline’s most important stations,” he said. 

“The new Saudia office which is located in Zuellig Building in Makati Avenue of Manila is designed by Saudi engineers following the latest architectural designs and standards. The new office is surrounded by embassies, airlines’ offices and corporate headquarters,” Al-Hazmi said.

“Our new strategy is to keep all departments including sales, marketing, reservation and finance under one roof for the benefit of passengers and visitors,” he added.