Mediterranean carrier Cyprus Airways has appointed George Kapello as head of its operations in Saudi Arabia.
Cyprus Airways passenger numbers to and from Riyadh grew 6.2 per cent in 2002 compared with the previous year, according to latest figures.
Cyprus Airways carried 1,654,719 passengers on all routes in 2002 - that’s 9.9 per cent up on the previous year and the second-largest increase the carrier has recorded in a decade.
“Our overall passenger growth is staggering and the operation in Saudi Arabia is playing its part. We have recorded passenger growth of six per cent in Riyadh at a time when the world-wide figures for other airlines have decreased by four per cent, down further in the case of Europe,” says Kapello.
Cyprus Airways flies from Larnaca to and from Riyadh and Jeddah twice a week.
“Passengers in Saudi Arabia clearly appreciate our new aircraft, fresh livery, stunning new uniforms and the tremendous in-flight entertainment we have introduced.
“Passenger numbers are extremely encouraging during some of the toughest times the industry has seen. We certainly aim to continue the healthy trend,” says Kapello.
On the Middle East routes overall, 216,435 passengers flew with Cyprus Airways in 2002, which is 8.4 per cent, or 16,740 passengers, more than in 2001.
Stavros Kyprianou, the airline’s Middle East and Gulf chief, predicts the good times to continue on the carrier routes to and from Saudi Arabia.
“We always respond to the market needs in the Kingdom. The market in Saudi Arabia is traditionally very loyal to Cyprus Airways and we are totally committed to it.”