Saudia Group celebrated a remarkable achievement in November 2024, with its airlines Saudia and flyadeal earning top global on-time performance rankings. The independent aviation tracking platform Cirium revealed these results for Saudia Group On-Time Performance (OTP), solidifying the group’s dedication to operational reliability and efficiency.
Saudia emerged as the top global airline in on-time performance, with 89.85% of its flights arriving as scheduled. Operating over 16,300 flights in November, Saudia maintained this position for the third time in 2024, previously achieving first place in June and July. This consistent achievement demonstrates the efficiency of Saudia’s integrated operations and its ability to deliver dependable air travel, contributing to the Saudia Group OTP.
flyadeal’s Strong Performance in Low-Cost Category
flyadeal, one of Saudi Arabia’s fastest-growing low-cost carriers, recorded an on-time performance rate of 90.48% in November, placing second in the global low-cost airline category. This marked its second consecutive month in this position, having previously ranked first in September 2024. The carrier’s success underscores its reliability and commitment to timely operations, enhancing the overall Saudia Group OTP.
Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, commended the team’s efforts. “These outstanding results underscore the strategic importance of safe and timely operations, which significantly enhance customer confidence across our entire group. Saudia and flyadeal’s commitment to operational excellence is a testament to the collective efforts of our dedicated front-line staff and the invaluable support from all Saudia Group business units.” The ongoing Saudia Group OTP achievements highlight this dedication.
Al-Omar attributed Saudia’s achievements to its “Shine” transformation program. “Saudia’s comprehensive transformation program, ‘Shine,’ has been instrumental in achieving this accomplishment. Through the program, we launch initiatives aimed at enhancing guest experience and operational efficiency, as well as improving various services and products,” he said.
Cirium CEO Jeremy Bowen praised Saudia and flyadeal for their outstanding performance. “It’s fantastic to see Saudia take the top spot as the most on-time global airline in November, paired with sister carrier flyadeal which secured an impressive second place in the LCC category. These achievements really demonstrate the exceptional operational success of the Saudia Group. Their ongoing dedication to excellence and ability to deliver outstanding results month after month is truly commendable. They continue to set high standards and reinforce their significant impact on the airline industry within the Saudia Group OTP framework.”
Future Plans for Expansion
Saudia’s fleet expansion plan is central to its long-term strategy. The airline is set to receive 130 new aircraft in the coming years, aligning with its objective to double seating capacity and connect Saudi Arabia to new destinations. This initiative supports Vision 2030, which aims to boost the Kingdom’s global connectivity, while enhancing Saudia Group OTP performance.
Currently, Saudia operates a fleet of 144 aircraft serving more than 100 destinations worldwide. The airline offers guests a blend of warm Saudi hospitality and multilingual in-flight entertainment, catering to diverse traveler preferences.
flyadeal operates a modern fleet of 36 Airbus A320 family aircraft from its main hubs in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam. The airline serves nearly 30 year-round and seasonal destinations across Saudi Arabia, the Middle East, Europe, and North Africa. With plans for international expansion starting in early 2025, flyadeal aims to provide passengers with more travel options and increase its global reach.
