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Sama Chairman, His Royal Highness Prince Bandar Bin Khalid AlFaisal, said:
"I would like to thank Andrew for his relentless efforts and huge contribution that made Sama what it is today. Despite many obstacles, he has brought into being the common vision we both shared from our very first meeting, of a quality, low fares airline for Saudi Arabia and the Middle East. At the same time, I would like to welcome Mr. Bruce Ashby as a valuable addition to the Sama family. We look forward to Bruce continuing to take Sama forward, as we seek to become the leading and best low fares airline throughout the Middle East."
Bruce Ashby, former President and Chief Executive Officer of IndiGo Airlines, one of India's most aggressive low fares carriers, has a strong airline background. Mr. Ashby led Indigo Airlines as President and CEO for 3 years through its launch and initial growth. Prior to IndiGo he served as the Executive Vice President-Marketing and Planning of US Airways. He also handled finance, operations, corporate development, planning and marketing at earlier stages in his career at US Airways.
Andrew Cowen, CEO of Sama, said:
"Leading Sama on behalf of Prince Bandar, the shareholders and the Board, from inception through to its successful launch and expansion, has been an honour and a privilege. With Sama having achieved profitability in August and September of this year, with 1.5m guests carried to date and with an international route network spanning the Middle East, now I believe is the right time to hand over the day to day leadership of Sama. I extend my best wishes to Bruce who takes on a great Sama team without which, none of Sama's considerable accomplishments would have been possible."
Bruce Ashby, said:
"I am very honoured and excited to take on the opportunity of continuing the development and growth of Sama, which has quickly established itself as one of the leading, emerging new airlines in the Middle East. I look forward to working with the Board and Sama team to take Sama through the next stage of its expansion."
Sama has separately announced its first major Hajj programme. By the conclusion of the programme, Sama expects to have carried approximately 30,000 pilgrims from a number of Muslim countries that includes Afghanistan, Nigeria, Jordan, and UAE, generating incremental revenue of around $30m. To serve that purpose Sama has brought in nine modern aircraft under wet lease to supplement its existing fleet.
In addition; Sama most recently announced Mumbai, India as the latest addition to its international destinations portfolio with three flights a week from Dammam, with connecting flights from Riyadh and Jeddah. Mumbai was launched with dazzling promotional fares. Sama currently flies to 11 international destinations from main cities in Saudi Arabia - Dammam, Riyadh and Jeddah.
Posted by Rana Mesbah
