Saudia, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, has achieved a significant milestone by being named Best Airline Staff Service at the prestigious 2025 Skytrax World Airline Awards. This event took place during the 56th edition of the Paris Air Show at the iconic Air and Space Museum, highlighting the airline’s commitment to excellence in customer service. The awards are based on a comprehensive voting process that incorporates feedback from millions of travelers around the globe, underscoring Saudia’s dedication to enhancing the overall guest experience.
Rising three spots in the Skytrax rankings, Saudia now holds the 17th position among the world’s best airlines, a remarkable leap from its previous standing. This recognition is not only a testament to the hard work and dedication of Saudia’s staff across various touchpoints of the guest journey but also reflects the airline’s strategic initiatives aimed at improving service standards. From seamless ground services to onboard experiences rooted in authentic Saudi hospitality, Saudia’s team has played an essential role in enhancing guest satisfaction, solidifying brand loyalty, and elevating service expectations.
H.E. Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, expressed pride in this achievement, stating, “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.” This sentiment is echoed by Edward Plaisted, CEO of Skytrax, who commended Saudia for maintaining a service style that is both composed and welcoming. He noted that the airline’s multi-national team brings a diverse range of cultural strengths to the customer experience, creating an atmosphere of professionalism combined with warmth that leaves a lasting impression on passengers.
Saudia’s ascent in the rankings is particularly noteworthy when considering its past performance. The airline has demonstrated impressive progress over the years, climbing from 82nd place in 2017 to 20th in 2024, and now achieving 17th place in 2025. This trajectory aligns with Saudia’s recognition as the “World’s Most Improved Airline” for four consecutive years by Skytrax, showcasing its commitment to continuous improvement and customer satisfaction.
The award serves as an endorsement of Saudia’s alignment with both the National Transport and Logistics Strategy and the National Aviation Strategy. These strategic frameworks aim to position the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as a global hub for travel and tourism by enhancing connectivity, entertainment, sports, and the Hajj and Umrah sectors. In line with this vision, Saudia is embarking on the most significant investment program in its history, focused on elevating the guest experience to unprecedented levels.
Key initiatives under this ambitious plan include:
- Expanding its global network to reach more destinations
- Doubling the size of its aircraft fleet to accommodate growing demand
- Introducing fully redesigned cabin interiors featuring advanced seating, state-of-the-art inflight entertainment, and high-speed connectivity
These enhancements are designed to surpass guest expectations, reinforcing the Kingdom’s position in global aviation. With a focus on innovation and customer-centric service, Saudia is well on its way to solidifying its status as a leading airline in the region and beyond.
About Saudia: Saudia, also known as Saudia Airlines, was established in 1945 and has grown to become one of the largest airlines in the Middle East. The airline operates an extensive global route network covering approximately 100 destinations across four continents, including all 28 domestic airports in Saudi Arabia. Currently, Saudia boasts a modern fleet of 144 aircraft, making it one of the youngest fleets in the industry. As a member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the Arab Air Carriers Organization (AACO), Saudia has also been a part of SkyTeam, the second-largest airline alliance, since 2012.
In addition to its recent accolade, Saudia was honored with the title of “World Class Airline 2025” for the fourth consecutive year at The APEX Official Airline Ratings™ awards. The airline also made significant advancements in the Skytrax ranking, improving by 11 places in the 2023 World Best Airlines list. Furthermore, Saudia was recognized for its best on-time performance (OTP), as reported by Cirium, further solidifying its reputation as a reliable carrier.
As Saudia continues on this trajectory of growth and enhancement, it remains committed to delivering exceptional service and unforgettable experiences to its passengers. With a clear vision for the future and ongoing investments in infrastructure and technology, the airline is poised to set new standards in the aviation industry, making it a proud representative of Saudi Arabia on the global stage.
