Jeddah, Sha'ban 15, 1439, May 1, 2018, SPA -- In a gesture of support for the Saudi national soccer team which will play the opening for World Cup 2018 finals in Russia, the the Saudi Airlines today launched, at King Abdulaziz International Airport, a special aircraft on a tour of the world before transporting the team to Moscow next month. A host of senior officials, led by the Director General of SAUDIA Eng. Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, and Chairman of the Saudi Football Federation Dr. Adel Izzet were present at the evnt. The airplane has been launched to live up to the occasion, Al-Jasser said, adding that it has been highly equipped in tandem with the significance of such a great world event, in order to roam around the world, hoisting on its flanks the Saudi flag, depicting the motto of the Oneness of Allah, and concluding that the selected B777-300 is among the latest fleet of the national air carrier. Displaying the country's emblem and images of the green falcons, the nickname of the national team, with a banner to encourage our players reading: You are up to the challenge, the aircraft reflects the bonds binding both national team air carrier. For his part, Dr. Izzet hailed both the Chief of Sports authority Turki Al Al-Shiekh for his support for sports in the Kingdom and the Saudi Airlines' gesture, asserting the prominence and distinct role and services and convenience it provides the national team with, inside as well as outside the Kingdom, through time. -- SPA 18:02 LOCAL TIME 15:02 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/w680515