Sama CEO, Andrew Cowen
Sama Airlines has started international flights to Abu-Dhabi and Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates, (UAE) departing from King Fahad International Airport in Dammam and King Khaled International Airport.
”We are the first low fare airline in Saudi Arabia to operate to the destinations of Abu Dhabi and Shajah and we have chosen the UAE for our first destinations in response to overwhelming public demand,” said Sama CEO Andrew Cowen.
Fares for Sama flights will begin at SR 199 ($53.49) one way from Dammam and SR 299 ($80) one way from Riyadh, which Sama believes, will enable passengers to travel more often between the popular destinations.
”We have reached the milestone of 500,000 bookings after just 7 months for operation,” said Andrew Cowen. ”This confirms the public”s support for the low fares concept and the foresight of Saudi Arabia”s General Authority of Civil Aviation in allowing new airlines to enter the Saudi market.”
Sama started flights from the 18 March this year and has around 30 shareholders serving several destinations within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The carrier currently has six Boeing 737 aircraft in its fleet serving 12 domestic destinations and has plans to up this to 35 by 2010. Sama is restricted to operating charter services but hopes to add scheduled flights to its network subject to CAA approval.