After Saudi Arabia opened its borders to foreign tourists in 2019, the country launched a massive campaign to revamp the passenger experience at its main airports and flag carrier Saudia Airlines. A world-class terminal now pampers passengers at King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) in Jeddah. And in November, the government announced the construction of an entirely new aerial gateway in Riyadh. Saudia refreshed its fleet by acquiring a large number of Boeing 787-9 and -10 Dreamliners featuring a new Business Class product and an enhanced onboard service and in-flight entertainment. The Dreamliners are used chiefly on long-haul services to West Africa and East Asia and on a few medium-haul flights to some American and European destinations, including Milan.
So, visiting a friend who lives in Jeddah became the perfect occasion to try the top-notch product of the Kingdom's airline. To avoid spending a fortune for a relatively short trip, I booked a ticket in economy class on my way to Saudi Arabia and upgraded to Business Class on the leg back to Europe.
Upon making my reservation, I discovered that my flight would be operated by one of the carrier's Boeing 787-9s. The aircraft features a 24-seat Business Class cabin arranged in a 1-2-1 cross section-a considerable step forward in privacy and comfort compared with what passengers experience on the carrier's 777s, which feature older seats and an outdated 2-2-2 configuration. The airline operates the 777 product on its USA network, which includes New York, Washington and Los Angeles.
This story is from the April 2023 edition of Business Traveler US.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the April 2023 edition of Business Traveler US.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Train of Thought
As Amsterdam’s airport curtails flights because of environmental impact, KLM suggests that its passengers take to the rails
Entry Level
Why travelers are waiting weeks or even months to receive a new passport or renewal
Big Wheels
American Airlines offers a TSA-approved ground service between Philadelphia and surrounding airports
Le Bon Goût
Air France partners with Michelin-starred chefs for its new menus
First Glance
United unveils new high-end seats
Ring of Fire
In October and April, solar eclipses will dazzle the United States
Just Say Know
To improve mental health, learn new skills on the road—and have fun doing it
Rebalancing Act
How Finnair CEO Topi Manner led the airline through two external crises to bring it back on track
New Look
With industry innovations and a star-studded roster of clients, designer Peter Dundas is changing the shape of fashion
Food for Thought
The pioneering Spanish restaurant EI Bulli is transformed into a museum and culinary laboratory