RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s low-cost airline flyadeal saw a significant increase in available seating capacity in the first half of this year, reaching 5 million, which represents a 9 percent rise compared to the same period in 2023. According to a press statement, the airline operated 75 routes during the first six months of 2024, an 8 percent increase from the previous year. This growth highlights its role in strengthening Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector as the Kingdom seeks to enhance its global tourism profile and reduce its reliance on oil revenues. Founded in 2017, flyadeal operates a fleet of Airbus A320 aircraft from bases in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam, serving destinations across Saudi Arabia and expanding its international presence in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The airline’s fleet grew by 12 percent year-on-year to 33 aircraft in the first half of 2024. Steven Greenway, CEO of flyadeal, emphasized the airline’s commitment to becoming the preferred choice in the Kingdom and beyond. He noted: “flyadeal’s performance in the first half of 2024 underscores our dedication to service excellence and the introduction of more digitally enabled products to enhance the customer experience.” Greenway also highlighted the airline’s impressive on-time performance, which peaked at 91 percent, among the highest in the industry. The airline’s workforce grew by 70 percent, reaching 1,325 employees by the end of the first half of 2024. Key milestones during this period included a major order for 51 Airbus narrow-body aircraft, comprising 12 additional A320neos, which form the backbone of flyadeal’s current fleet, and 39 larger A321neos, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2026. flyadeal also inducted its 50th batch of cabin crew and launched a cadet program for aspiring Saudi pilots, with the first group successfully completing their training. Greenway commented: “Employees make the difference, and as we continue to evolve, our workforce will expand to support our growing route network with more exciting plans for next year.” The airline also anticipates reaching a cumulative total of 30 million passengers by the summer of 2024 since its launch seven years ago.