RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s low-cost airline flynas achieved a record-breaking 47 percent increase in passenger numbers, surpassing 7 million travelers in the first half of 2024. This growth is attributed to the airline’s strategic expansion plans, including fleet upgrades, increased capacity, and global network expansion. The recent acquisition of 160 Airbus airplanes in July, more than doubling its total orders to 280 within seven years, is a key factor in this performance. Flynas’ CEO and Managing Director Bander Al-Mohanna highlighted that these developments align with Saudi Arabia"s National Civil Aviation Strategy, which aims to connect the Kingdom with 250 international destinations and accommodate 330 million passengers by 2030. Al-Mohanna also noted that flynas’ “We Connect the World to the Kingdom” initiative supports the Pilgrims Experience Program, successfully transporting over 100,000 pilgrims from 20 countries in the first half of the year. ““Our strategy will also play a key part in driving the objectives of the Pilgrims Experience Program to facilitate access to the two holy mosques,” he said. As part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which seeks to diversify the economy away from oil dependency, significant investments are being made in the aviation sector. These investments focus on enhancing infrastructure, boosting tourism, and increasing international connectivity. The airline’s recent achievements include a 37 percent increase in seat capacity and the expansion of domestic summer destinations, reflecting the airline’s commitment to supporting the Kingdom’s tourism sector. Additionally, the delivery of six A320neo aircraft and the addition of 25 new A320neo planes over the past 18 months have expanded the fleet to 60, creating new job opportunities for Saudis and advancing programs to nationalize key positions within the company. Overall, flynas is positioned as a pivotal player in Saudi Arabia’s ambitious aviation growth plans, driving forward the nation"s strategic objectives and enhancing its global connectivity.