Saudi Arabian Airlines has earmarked four subsidiaries for privatization during the course of
this year. The move is meant to boost the airline's revenue stream. The carrier has already privatized five other units including
Catering, Saudia Cargo, Ground services and Saudia Aerospace Engineering
Industries. In
an interview with Arab News, Abdullah Al-Ajhar, the Saudi national
carrier's vice president for public relations, said the units listed
include the Prince Sultan Aviation Academy, Saudia Private Aviation ,
Medical Services, which include a 400-bed hospital, and Saudi Airlines
Real Estate Development Company. “This year will witness the
privatization of about 70 to 80 percent of our strategic units,” he
said.Mr Al-Ajhar also noted that Saudia would acquire an
additional 35 new aircraft to beef up services in the domestic sector.
“We are still in the planning stage. We have yet to determine the model
and size of the new aircraft,” he said.