#SAUDIA

[aa55]

[nnunu21s]

[runwayrunway]

No. 35 - Saudia/Saudi Arabian Airlines

This is the third of three requests from @twtd11. A very serendipitously timed one, because I had just begun researching for this post when it came in.

I would just like to take a moment to thank you for the requests. Everyone, but specifically twtd11 for sending in multiple. I love writing these, and there are so many potentially juicy topics out there. There are between 5,000 and 5,500 airlines currently with ICAO codes, some of which have had multiple liveries throughout history or even multiple in active use, before even mentioning the defunct ones. There is a non-negligible degree of decision paralysis that comes with choosing subjects, and requests help steer me towards topics and trains of thought I'm interested in discussing. Not to mention, of course, that I get to cover things that people are actively interested in seeing. I appreciate them a lot.

Okay. Aside...aside. Let's talk about Saudia, or Saudi Arabian Airlines, whichever one it is at any given time, the flag carrier of Saudi Arabia.

Let me propose a hypothetical to you. Say you were one of the richest countries on the entire planet, strategically located somewhere that both has most major cities in the world within range for a nonstop flight and enough oil that it basically prints money. You're trying to participate in geopolitics and have the world's third largest immigrant population. You are the site of the largest pilgrimage in the world, now largely conducted by air. You have a flag carrier, like most countries, and over half your fleet is large twin-aisle jets ready to be plopped down at airports all over the world.

You'd want to make them.....look really interesting and striking and memorable, right? Really represent your country's culture and heritage and remind the people exhaustedly looking out of the window of a plane that's been baking on the tarmac for an hour of how big and important your airline is?

I just think I would have made different choices here.

Saudia is obviously the flag carrier of Saudi Arabia. I think the government tried to privatise it at some point but I don't think they've actually finished that process. It was founded in 1945 as Saudi Arabian Airlines, and was run by TWA despite being wholly government-owned.

Saudia is really weird.

It was named Saudi Arabian Airlines until 1972, when it became Saudia. In 1996 it was renamed back to Saudia Arabian Airlines, and it was then renamed back again to Saudia in 2012. This is definitely confusing and/or silly. It also makes it comparably harder to date historical mentions of it just by name the way it does hearing USAir vs US Airways. I even see sources, including relatively journalistic ones, incorrectly use the anachronistic name anyway. Saudia is the better name, in my opinion. If you think 'Saudia' is shorter than 'Saudi Arabian Airlines', compare 'السعودية' to 'الخطوط الجوية العربية السعودية'.  'al-Ḫuṭūṭ al-Jawwiyyah al-ʿArabiyyah as-Suʿūdiyyah'. The way that proper nouns work in Arabic make an already long name completely unwieldy, while Saudia is completely regular and manageable. It's a bit pointless to discuss, though. The two have become interchangeable at this point. The switches have become more and more frequent over time, too. I'm taking bets for what happens in 2026 - are they going to become Saudi Arabian Airlines again, or will they daringly pick a third option and become Saudia Arabian Airlines? (They will not do this, and they're Saudia to me forever anyway.)

This is sort of a trend with Saudia. They have such a non-brand that they keep doing 'brand overhauls' which are negligibly different from each other. This applies to their liveries too. A new Saudia livery is the equivalent of a Fall/Winter collection from the Gap. It's...the Gap. New Saudia livery? Well...it's an airplane livery with Saudia branding. That's just not anything.

 image: ted quackenbush

image: ruthas

Hey, everyone! We added a livery revision! We had a cheatline and now it's a hockey stick!

We added more stripes! Aren't we innovative?

I actually do love the combination of these specific blues and greens, and would love to see it used on a competent livery, but attached to nothing it's just so sad. The same goes for the typeface used. Gorgeous, but meaningless. It was actually decent for the time, but...look, I'm not here to talk about it, and given what's coming it's hard to be too nice to it even though the colorscheme is genuinely gorgeous.

I also think this illustrates fantastically my point about Saudia vs Saudi Arabian Airlines. In the pictures above, each side has one of the names written in English and the other in Arabic, and...I think you can see for yourself.

This livery is so incredibly boring that it somehow looks worse on the TriStar than the 737, which is so unusual! The more interesting shape of the TriStar just lets on how painfully boring this is.

But that was then. Where are we now?

Ah...not much better. It's an upside-down United situation, half white and half off-white, which can look classy in some cases but in this example just looks dated. You have to do something to distinguish a livery like this. A nice color scheme (which this gold-and-dark-blue certainly is) and a gorgeous typeface can't save it.

This picture gives a fantastic view of how gorgeous the cream, gold, green, and dark blue used are. If only they were used in a way that accomplishes something! This is a travesty of great details which are just put down on a piece of paper and left to sit! Good details mean nothing if they're all you have. It just makes this livery all the more tragic.

('God Bless You' is not the name of the plane, just something written on all Saudia planes. Bless you too, HZ-HM1A.)

Why would you ever. Why would you ever color only the top of the fin on an MD-11, and then leave the engine flesh-color. Did not a single person realize that the ratio of blue to cream this creates looks terrible?

This is so frustrating. Every feature here is visually pleasing, and the plane itself sort of is unless you look close, but it's so nothing, so cowardly, that I become angry. This is bereft of design and creativity, despite having all the features it needs to succeed if they were applied decently. (Seriously, that typeface is beautiful.)

The Arab States of the Persian Gulf are some of the wealthiest countries in the world. Their airlines tend to be luxurious, with brand new fleets of well-equipped airliners replete with some of the world's best first-and-business-class cabins for the discerning travelling millionaire. I've never flown with one of them, because I am not a millionaire (or particularly discerning when it comes to cabin service, in all honesty), but it absolutely does show in their liveries. Each of them carries itself with a unique sort of careless gravitas, like a bed with a carved walnut headboard and brocade sheets, neatly made in the morning by an underpaid and mistreated migrant housekeeper.

Compare Saudia. The elegant frame of the Dreamliner given the livery of a mid-90s US carrier which would go out of business before the mid-aughts. This is non-design.

I mention, when I outline my grading system, that a D grade is not only for liveries which are ugly or badly designed. That's how I've ended up using it so far, most of the time. After all, I mostly discuss liveries that are interesting, since there's more to talk about and more to motivate me to write a post. And I do think Saudia is somewhat interesting case of a livery which is pretty, which has nice features, which is...inoffensive. Yet it is so cowardly that I truly do not believe it is satisfactory. It's almost a little unsettling, how there's nothing about this livery I specifically dislike yet the complete package is so reprehensible to me.

Final Grade: D+

Well, okay, I'm done with this livery. Tomorrow's bonus post will be about a much more interesting Saudi airline, and we'll have a post later today about a much more interesting aspect of Saudia's design, but for the moment thankfully we're done with this...

...this is a wet lease. They've been wet leasing planes to meet hajj demand, and those planes are primarily white. But for a moment I thought this was actually a new livery and almost began crying.

Okay. We're okay. This is their most recent non-lease delivery. We're okay. Don't scare me like that, Saudia! Geez!

[purplefacephotography]

Some photos from my trip to Manchester Airport Southside 20.10.24

[brianfrench1995]

Saudi Arabian Airlines 720 Postcard . HZ-ACA

@postcardtimemachine

[hrvbi]

[rochindel]

Saudia Airlines Cabin Crew: Taking Care of Passengers Every Step of the Way Saudia Airlines Cabin Crew: Taking Care of Passengers Every Step of the Way Saudia Airlines is one of the leading airlines in the Middle East, providing passengers with a safe and comfortable journey. The airline is renowned for its excellent customer service, and its cabin crew are a key part of this. The cabin crew are responsible for ensuring that passengers have a pleasant and enjoyable experience on board, and they take care of passengers every step of the way. What Does the Cabin Crew Do? The cabin crew are responsible for a range of duties on board the aircraft. They are the first point of contact for passengers, and they are responsible for ensuring that passengers are comfortable and safe throughout the flight. The cabin crew will greet passengers as they board the aircraft, and they will provide them with information about the flight and the safety procedures. They will also provide passengers with refreshments and snacks during the flight, and they will answer any questions that passengers may have. The cabin crew are also responsible for ensuring that the aircraft is kept clean and tidy throughout the flight. They will check the cabin for any items that have been left behind, and they will ensure that the aircraft is kept in a safe and secure condition. In the event of an emergency, the cabin crew will be responsible for ensuring that passengers are evacuated safely and efficiently. What Qualifications Do Cabin Crew Need? In order to become a cabin crew member at Saudia Airlines, applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent. They must also have a valid passport and be able to speak English fluently. Applicants must also be physically fit and able to pass a medical examination. Once applicants have been accepted, they will be required to complete a training program. This program will cover a range of topics, including safety procedures, customer service, and aircraft operations. Once the training is complete, the cabin crew will be ready to start their duties on board the aircraft. What Are the Benefits of Working as Cabin Crew? Working as cabin crew at Saudia Airlines can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. The cabin crew will be able to travel to a range of destinations, and they will be able to experience different cultures and meet new people. The cabin crew will also be able to take advantage of a range of benefits, including competitive salaries, free flights, and discounts on hotels and car rentals. How Can I Apply to Become Cabin Crew? If you are interested in becoming a cabin crew member at Saudia Airlines, you can apply online. You will need to provide a range of personal and professional information, and you will also need to provide a copy of your passport and a recent photograph. Once your application has been received, you will be contacted for an interview. FAQs What qualifications do I need to become cabin crew? In order to become a cabin crew member at Saudia Airlines, applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent. They must also have a valid passport and be able to speak English fluently. Applicants must also be physically fit and able to pass a medical examination. What are the benefits of working as cabin crew? Working as cabin crew at Saudia Airlines can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. The cabin crew will be able to travel to a range of destinations, and they will be able to experience different cultures and meet new people. The cabin crew will also be able to take advantage of a range of benefits, including competitive salaries, free flights, and discounts on hotels and car rentals. APPLY NOW How can I apply to become cabin crew? If you are interested in becoming a cabin crew member at Saudia Airlines, you can apply online. You will need to provide a range of personal and professional information, and you will also need to provide a copy of your passport and a recent photograph. Once your application has been received, you will be contacted for an interview. Saudia Airlines Cabin Crew: Taking Care of Passengers Every Step of the Way

[tevantarlos]

Find Your Fave Ships In My Fics... Part 4

I decided to go ahead and remake my collections. I’ve separated them by pairings, and writing events. Fandom: Degrassi: Palex Fics -> Clicky Fandom: The Magicians: Queliot Fics -> Clicky Fandom: Law & Order: SVU: Rollisi Fics -> Clicky Fandom: General Hospital: Sante Fics -> Clicky Fandom: Supergirl: Sanvers Fics -> Clicky Fandom: General Hospital: Saudia Fics -> Clicky Fandom: General Hospital: Saxie Fics -> Clicky Fandom: General Hospital: SCoop Fics -> Clicky Fandom: Glee: Seblaine Fics -> Clicky

[yz]

And we’re in Istanbul

[mylove-and-dreams]

[kazifatagar]

Saudia Tops Global On-Time Performance for June 2024

Saudia, Saudi Arabia’s national carrier, achieved the highest global on-time performance in June 2024, with on-time arrival and departure rates of 88.22% and 88.73%, respectively. The airline operated 16,133 flights across over 100 destinations during the peak travel season, which includes Hajj and summer. Read More Business News Students Win RM127,300 Scholarships at Global Competition Saudia…

[runwayrunway]

Galley Gala No. 4 - Saudia

Okay, so Saudia's livery isn't fantastic. But their cabin crew uniforms? Top notch.

I feel like the first thing that pops into a Westerner's mind when considering what a Saudia stewardess might look like is "aren't women in Muslim-majority countries legally required to wear a hair covering?" And the answer for airline cabin crew is not only 'no', but actually a fairly emphatic one. Emirates and Qatar Airways actually both ban the hijab (the hair covering). This means that, if you're hijabi and hoping to be a flight attendant, British Airways or WestJet would be a better choice than the national airlines of countries where the majority of women are hijabi. That's bizarre to me, personally.

(It should be clarified that the majority of these countries actually employ primarily foreign cabin crew; while certainly many Saudia flight attendants would have always been Muslim, they only began hiring Saudi women in 2020. Before this, they were all foreigners. The majority were Filipino, Thai, or Eastern European. This is true of many fields in many countries in the Persian Gulf. The UAE and Qatar also have never required head coverings by law, and from what I've heard non-Muslim foreigners generally just don't wear them.)

Saudia's cabin crew, until 2020, dressed in a very smart blue pantsuit with gold hardware and a crisp white shirt underneath. From the neck down, it is literally just a very nice-looking flight attendant uniform which doesn't come with a skirt option in order to preserve hijab (the concept).

Underneath the jackets, there are these lovely light-looking shirts and matching blue vests. I would, in a heartbeat, wear exactly identical clothing to a pre-2020 Saudia flight attendant, except with different shoes. It's stylish! And it comes with these headpieces which have headscarves attached to them, in order to actually cover the wearer's hair. It's a pretty stylish and clever way to approach the task. The scarf blends really well into the vest without constricting the neck, so if it catches on something in an evacuation the wearer won't be horribly strangled. I fully approve.

In 2020, they released an updated version. In addition to incorporating cabin crew's feedback on comfort and practicality, it updates the appearance to something I think is very chic.

These coats, with the brown gloves and shoes, are gorgeous, and I just adore the new darker blue. These are just downright nice outfits. If you asked me what job these women have, I would not guess that they're flight attendants - I would think they're working in some glamorous, high-profile job. Being a flight attendant in Saudi Arabia is not considered glamorous in the least, but you wouldn't be able to tell it from this updated look.

In addition to the darker blue, the female cabin crew are now given the choice to wear skirts, and their suits are given a belted waist for a very 40s look. I like it a lot. I think these are some of the best looking 'traditional' flight attendant uniforms out there. This has all the features Saudia's livery should have, but doesn't.

Here's something a bit weird, though. I think Saudia may have just banned the hijab*?

*The literal headscarf. The rest of their uniform is still quite hijab-compliant as far as I, a non-Muslim man, can tell.

So, there's this drapey bit. It's pretty similar to Emirates's uniforms (which I will discuss some day). Emirates bans the hijab. Emirates flight attendants are all required to remove their hijab for work, if they wear one. Saudi Arabia, until 2018, required all women, including non-Muslims and foreigners, to wear abaya. Since 2018, there is no legal requirement to wear a hair covering, and now their flag carrier seems to have banned hijabs for flight attendants.

The absence of a hair covering inbuilt in the uniform isn't equivalent to it being banned, of course. The reason I think it might be is that it's been three years now and I haven't seen anything to indicate that it isn't, despite other people asking the same question. When this is partnered with the habits of other carriers it begins to feel like it implies something. I don't know. I can't find Saudia saying anything on the topic. This particular headgear really looks almost identical to Emirates's in particular. I wouldn't be surprised if there's a bit of active imitation going on, since Emirates is absolutely massive and Saudia is probably kicking themselves for not getting into imitating them earlier and buying A380s while they still could. Imagine the efficiency of all-economy A380 hajj flights. On the other hand, Saudia's low-cost subsidiary, Flyadeal, doesn't require head coverings but does allow them, so I ultimately just don't know what's happening and am sort of curious. If anyone reading this knows more than I do, I would love to hear from you.

Anyway, all that aside, Saudia cabin crew look absolutely fantastic. These uniforms are elegant in their wide strokes and immaculate in their details, and are up there as one of my favorite uniforms that could be described in structure and vibe as "a suit".

[lets-ayman-blog]

(via Soaring High: A Look at Saudia, the National Airline of Saudi Arabia)

https://shorturl.at/nwlbK

[phonemantra-blog]

The travel industry is about to experience a major transformation. Saudia, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, has unveiled a groundbreaking digital platform: the Travel Companion (TC). Powered by cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI), the Travel Companion aims to become the go-to app for travelers seeking a seamless and personalized travel experience. This article delves deep into the features and functionalities of the Travel Companion, exploring how it redefines digital travel and sets a new standard for airline passenger interaction. Saudia Takes Flight A Digital Revolution Takes Off: Reimagining Travel with AI Saudia's commitment to innovation goes beyond luxurious cabins and world-class service. The Travel Companion marks a significant leap forward in the industry, leveraging the power of AI to personalize the travel experience for each user. Developed in collaboration with global professional services firm Accenture, the Travel Companion goes far beyond simple flight booking. This comprehensive platform acts as a one-stop shop for all your travel needs, offering: Personalized Recommendations: No more one-size-fits-all itineraries. The Travel Companion leverages AI to personalize search results for hotels, transportation, restaurants, activities, and attractions, catering to your individual preferences. Imagine receiving curated suggestions based on your interests, past travel experiences, and budget. Trusted and Authenticated Sources: Worried about unreliable information? The Travel Companion provides search results sourced from trusted and verified platforms, ensuring you can plan your trip with confidence. Image-Supported Responses: Visual learners rejoice! The platform utilizes image-supported responses, making it easier to visualize hotels, attractions, and activities, enhancing your decision-making process. This personalized approach combined with reliable information empowers travelers to craft itineraries that perfectly match their desires. A Seamless Journey Awaits: Beyond Flight Bookings The Travel Companion extends its reach beyond flight bookings, integrating seamlessly with other crucial aspects of your trip: Concierge Services at Your Fingertips: Imagine booking hotels, restaurants, and activities all within the same app. The Travel Companion streamlines the entire process, allowing you to manage concierge services with ease. Smooth Connections: Transportation Made Easy: The platform integrates with transportation platforms and various train companies, ensuring a hassle-free travel experience. No more scrambling to find local transportation options – the Travel Companion facilitates seamless connections for a stress-free journey. This comprehensive integration eliminates the need to juggle multiple apps and websites, simplifying the travel planning process and offering a more unified travel experience. Looking Ahead: Expanding Horizons The Travel Companion is continuously evolving, with exciting features planned for the future: Voice Command for Enhanced Convenience: Imagine booking flights, managing reservations, or receiving travel information all through your voice. Voice command functionality is on the horizon, further enhancing the user experience. Digital Payment Solutions for Streamlined Travel: Gone are the days of worrying about currency exchange. The Travel Companion plans to integrate digital payment solutions, allowing you to manage your travel expenses conveniently within the app. These planned functionalities promise to further elevate the Travel Companion, offering an unparalleled level of convenience and flexibility for travelers. Always-On Connectivity: The Power of the Saudia e-SIM The Travel Companion aims to be your constant travel companion, even when you're roaming. Here's how: Global Access with a Saudia e-SIM: The app will be accessible through a dedicated Saudia e-SIM card, ensuring global connectivity without relying on local internet providers. No more scrambling for Wi-Fi or expensive data roaming charges. Customizable Data Packages: Cater your connectivity needs to your travel style. Users will have the option to purchase data packages for additional applications, allowing them to stay seamlessly connected throughout their journey. This dedicated e-SIM solution guarantees consistent access to the Travel Companion's features and functionalities, ensuring a truly connected travel experience. A Bold Vision: Saudia's Travel Companion as the Ultimate Travel App The Travel Companion embodies Saudia's ambitious vision: to redefine digital travel and become the ultimate app for travelers. As His Excellency Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, states: "We are thrilled to introduce the Travel Companion, a game-changer in the airline industry that will revolutionize the digital travel experience." This innovative platform aims to become more than just a flight booking app. It aspires to be a comprehensive travel resource, offering unparalleled information, personalized recommendations, and seamless integration with various travel services. With its focus on AI-powered personalization, comprehensive integration, and dedicated global connectivity, the Travel Companion has the potential to redefine the way travelers experience the world.

[itqans]

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