From that humble start, Saudia Airlines (formally known as Saudi Arabian Airlines) grew, its story mirroring the nation’s own swift, ambitious ascent – from desert tracks to celestial highways. It became the nation’s wings, connecting the ancient crossroads of the world to every modern metropolis, a symbol of hospitality etched against the vast Arabian sky.
Today, that legacy of Saudia Airlines unfolds the moment you step into the Business Class cabin. It is an oasis of calm, a room where the sky is your view.
The centrepiece is your private sanctuary: a spacious seat that transforms, with a whisper of a button, into a true lie-flat bed. As you settle in, the world outside the window shrinks to a mere spectacle, and your personal realm expands.
Before the door is closed, the ritual of welcome begins. A steward presents a beautiful ceramic cup of traditional Arabic aromatic rich flavour of coffee or tea, beside it rests a plate of plump, glistening dates – a taste of the desert’s sweetness, a promise of the warmth to come.
The spacious seats were a highlight of the experience. With ample legroom, plush cushioning, and the lie-flat design that envelops me in comfort.
The design was not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing, allowing me to relax and enjoy the flight. Each seat came equipped with personal entertainment systems, ensuring that boredom was never an option.
As the aircraft climbs, so does the anticipation of the dining experience. This is not mere sustenance; it is a curated journey for the palate. From an international menu of expertly prepared dishes to authentic Arabic mezze, creamy hummus, smoky muhammara, and flaky pastries, each course is presented with elegant precision. Paired with a selection of fine wines and juices, it’s a meal that makes time stand still, a celebration at 40,000 feet.
Then comes the amenity kit, a collaboration that speaks of modern Arabian luxury. This luxurious kit is part of a special collaboration between Saudia and the renowned fashion house, ELIE SAAB. Designed to elevate the in-flight experience for our First and Business Class guests, the collection brings ELIE SAAB’s signature elegance and sophistication to 30,000 feet.
Sleek and impeccably designed, it contains treasures for the journey: High-end ELIE SAAB skincare products (face mist, lotion) and a signature Eau de Toilette, a luxurious satin eye mask, comfy socks that feel less like travel necessities and more like personal luxuries. It is a souvenir of style, a nod to a world where heritage meets high fashion.
But the gaze of this gilded falcon is fixed firmly on the horizon. The future of Saudia is being written in the sleek lines of its modern fleet, one of the youngest and most efficient in the skies, featuring the revolutionary Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Airbus A320neo. Their ambitious plan is a vision of a new global aviation landscape, with a massive order for the latest aircraft poised to connect the world through the heart of the Middle East.
To fly Business Class with Saudia is to understand a new chapter in an ancient story. Overall, thoughtful aircraft seat design can significantly enhance the travel experience, helping to minimise discomfort and fatigue during long flights, ultimately leading to a more enjoyable journey.
