Jeddah, Saudi Arabia | June 2025 — Saudi Arabia’s national carrier Saudia has been named “Best Airline Staff Service” at the prestigious 2025 Skytrax World Airline Awards, marking a pivotal achievement in the airline’s continued ascent in global aviation. The award was presented at the 56th Paris Air Show, held at the iconic Air and Space Museum in Le Bourget, France, drawing the world’s leading aviation players into the spotlight.
In addition to this accolade, Saudia climbed three positions in the coveted global Skytrax rankings, earning 17th placeamong the world’s best airlines in 2025—a substantial leap that continues its upward trajectory over the past decade.
Global Recognition for Authentic Saudi Hospitality
The “Best Airline Staff Service” award reflects the exceptional dedication of Saudia’s frontline and cabin crew, known for offering authentic Saudi Arabian hospitality paired with professional efficiency. Saudia’s service excellence spans every touchpoint of the passenger journey—from check-in and boarding to in-flight comfort and arrival.
H.E. Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, expressed pride in the milestone:
“This award reflects the dedication of our incredible frontline team and the trust of our guests. Rising from 82nd to 17th in the Skytrax World Airline Rankings is a proud milestone—but it’s just the beginning. With bold investments and a clear vision, we’re on a journey to become one of the world’s leading airlines.”
Edward Plaisted, CEO of Skytrax, also emphasized the consistent quality of Saudia’s service:
“We are pleased to present Saudia with the award for Best Airline Staff Service in the Middle East at the 2025 World Airline Awards. The airline’s composed and welcoming service style, consistently delivered by a multi-national team, continues to impress passengers.”
A Remarkable Ascent in Global Rankings
Saudia’s upward journey is one of the most significant stories in recent airline industry history. The carrier has climbed from 82nd in 2017 to 20th in 2024, and now 17th in 2025, with consistent annual improvement. In recognition of its sustained growth, Skytrax previously named Saudia the “World’s Most Improved Airline” for four consecutive years.
This latest success aligns with Saudi Arabia’s National Aviation Strategy and National Transport and Logistics Strategy, which aim to transform the Kingdom into a global transportation hub—with air connectivity driving economic growth in tourism, entertainment, sports, and pilgrimage sectors.
Bold Investments Powering Saudia’s Transformation
To fuel this ambition, Saudia has embarked on the largest investment program in its history. Key initiatives include:
- Doubling the aircraft fleet to meet rising international demand.
- Introducing redesigned cabin interiors with high-speed connectivity, modern inflight entertainment systems, and enhanced seating for all classes.
- Expanding global routes to unlock greater international accessibility, including underserved markets.
- Sustainability-focused operations, aligning with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals.
Saudia is also committed to integrating cutting-edge technology to streamline operations, boost punctuality, and offer guests a seamless digital travel experience.
Elevating the Guest Experience
Today, Saudia operates one of the youngest fleets in the Middle East, comprising 144 aircraft, serving nearly 100 destinations across four continents. The airline covers all 28 domestic airports in the Kingdom and is playing an increasingly important role in connecting Saudi Arabia to the world.
A founding member of SkyTeam since 2012, Saudia’s international partnerships and alliance benefits allow passengers to enjoy smoother, more connected journeys across global networks.
In 2025, Saudia also received the “World Class Airline” award for the fourth consecutive year from The APEX Official Airline Ratings™, reinforcing its commitment to operational excellence, safety, and customer satisfaction.
According to aviation analytics firm Cirium, Saudia ranked among the world’s top-performing airlines for on-time performance, showcasing its operational reliability.
Strengthening Saudi Arabia’s Tourism and Hajj Connectivity
Saudia’s achievements are also instrumental in realizing Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which prioritizes tourism diversification and infrastructure development. The airline plays a critical role in Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages, seamlessly transporting millions of pilgrims to the Holy Cities of Mecca and Medina each year.
With the launch of the Saudi eVisa system and international tourism campaigns, Saudia’s improved connectivity enhances the Kingdom’s appeal as a world-class tourist destination. From luxury desert resorts and UNESCO World Heritage sites to cutting-edge entertainment hubs, Saudi Arabia is emerging as a compelling destination for global travelers.
A Look Ahead: Future Growth and Global Ambitions
Looking forward, Saudia is expected to continue its global ascent, backed by:
- Fleet modernization and expansion
- Strengthening alliance ties through SkyTeam
- Investment in customer experience innovation
- Aggressive route development to connect Asia, Europe, and Africa via Saudi Arabia
As it continues to win hearts across the skies, Saudia is steadily transforming into one of the top global airlines, turning bold national strategies into reality.
About Saudia
Founded in 1945, Saudia is the national airline of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, headquartered in Jeddah. It operates one of the largest fleets in the Middle East and is a member of both the IATA and AACO. With services to nearly 100 international and domestic destinations, Saudia plays a vital role in connecting the Kingdom with the rest of the world.
For more travel news like this, keep reading Global Travel Wire
