Saudia Awarded APEX World Class 2026, Boosts Connectivity with Pakistan

Saudia, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, has been recognized as the World Class Airline 2026 by the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) for the fifth consecutive year. The award was presented during the APEX World Class™ global awards ceremony, underscoring the success of Saudia’s strategy which focuses on enhancing the travel experience, raising guest satisfaction across all service touchpoints, and ensuring the highest levels of operational safety across its network of more than 100 destinations spanning four continents.

 

Saudia is actively deepening its engagement with the Pakistani market, highlighting the strong cultural, religious, and economic bonds shared between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. The airline plays a vital role in connecting Pakistani travelers—whether for spiritual journeys, business ventures, or international travel—by offering a world-class experience defined by warmth, care, and exceptional Saudi hospitality.

 

In addition, Saudia was awarded “Best in Class for Service–Guest Experience” for the second consecutive year. This highly selective recognition is presented to the airline achieving the highest global score in the Service–Guest Experience category, underscoring the consistency of Saudia’s guest experience transformation and the authenticity of Saudi hospitality that it shares with the world. For Pakistani travelers, this award reinforces Saudia’s commitment to delivering a personalized and culturally attuned service, ensuring every journey between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia is comfortable, respectful, and memorable. For Pakistani passengers, it ensures every journey between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia is comfortable, respectful, and memorable.

 

The APEX World Class™ award is regarded as the highest recognition of excellence in the airline industry. It is based on a comprehensive evaluation conducted by industry professionals and reinforced by guest feedback, highlighting achievements in safety, sustainability, guest experience, and onboard dining.

 

Rossen Dimitrov, Chief Guest Experience Officer at Saudia, commented: "Receiving the APEX World Class™ recognition for the fifth consecutive year, alongside being named Best in Class for Service–Guest Experience for the second year in a row, is a true testament to the dedication and professionalism of Saudia’s team members. These awards reflect not only the consistency of our transformation but also the authentic Saudi hospitality that distinguishes us on the world stage. Guided by our new strategy, every detail of the guest journey is designed with thoughtful planning to ensure comfort across our guests' full journey. Through innovative initiatives that exceed expectations, we continue to elevate satisfaction at every step. The value of these recognitions lies in the fact that they come from impartial, global organizations, affirming Saudia’s position as a leader in travel and aviation."

 

As part of its long-term strategy, Saudia continues to implement initiatives that enhance its commitment to guest experience, directly contributing to the objectives of the Kingdom’s National Aviation Strategy. These include the delivery of 116 new aircraft over the coming years, adding to the existing fleet of 149, alongside upgraded spacious seating, high-speed inflight internet with live streaming capability, and enhancements to digital platforms and post-booking services powered by artificial intelligence.

 

Looking ahead, Saudia’s continued fleet expansion and service enhancements—including upgraded seating, high-speed inflight internet, and AI-powered digital platforms—will further benefit the growing number of Pakistani travelers seeking seamless, modern, and comfortable air travel.