British Airways CEO visits Saudi Arabia to celebrate airline's kingdom comeback

After a four-year period, the airline resumed operations in the Kingdom on June 1st 2009. Both routes are performing well, and just after one month of operating the service the airline announced that it will be increasing capacity on the Jeddah service from October 31st to a Boeing 777.

Speaking during his first visit to the country, Willie Walsh said:

"Resuming direct services to these major cities consolidates our presence in the Middle East. We have been very encouraged by demand on these routes proving that there is a lot of opportunity in Saudi Arabia. It is a very important market for British Airways and we are pleased to be back offering our customers the award-winning products and services we know they expect."

Walsh added, "With our new Club World cabin being embodied across all our aircraft that operate the Middle East routes, and a brand new First Class product being unveiled early next year, we are well prepared to continue to grow our market share here."

The airline first began operating flights from Saudi Arabia in the late 1960's, under the mantle of the British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC). The first flight was from London to Dhahran in February 1965. The non-stop journey which intended to create a fast link to the United States was operated by a Vickers VC-10 and took just six hours and ten minutes.

Talking about the new route Willie Walsh said, "We constantly review our network and look for opportunities for profitable growth. Considering the major economic development and significant inward investment Saudi has seen recently, as well as the governmental drive for liberalisation, reinstating flights here was a straightforward commercial decision. We will continue to examine further expansion opportunities as we monitor the progress of the routes."

Willie Walsh, who is in the Kingdom on a three-day tour along with a delegation of British Airways special guests, is hosting celebratory evening events in both Riyadh and Jeddah.

As a gesture of goodwill, all former Executive Club members currently in Saudi Arabia have received a complimentary upgrade to their previous Gold or Silver tier of the airline's loyalty programme allowing them access to the comfort and facilities of over 60 British Airways lounges worldwide, increased mileage earning opportunities and host of other benefits.

A full timetable of British Airways' Saudi Arabia - London services is available online at ba.com - where the lowest fares are guaranteed - and customers can book, pay and check-in online for their flights.