Saudi Arabia’s First Low-Cost Airline

The commercial aviation industry continues to grow throughout the world; now is a great time to start flight training and begin an exciting life-long career.  Opportunities abound right now.

Another example of this growth is Saudi Arabia’s first low-cost airline, Sama, plans to start flights within months and expects to carry at least half a million passengers by the end of the year, a company spokesman said.

Sama, which means "elevation" in Arabic, will lease up to seven Boeing 737 aircraft to tap the lucrative domestic market, later expanding within the region.  The market in Saudi Arabia is important, according to chief executive Andre Cowen: "…with a population of more than 25 million and a very strong demand from a customer base left with little choice currently in terms of prices." Saudi authorites are gradually liberalizing air transport services by opening domestic flights to private investors.  The plan is also for Saudi Arabian Airlines to be privatized.   

Sama will begin serving mainly Rhyadh, Dammam, and Jeddah. The airline will directly employ 350 people in its first year and 1,200 by the end of 2010.