The summer vacation of 2008 is unique for Saudi Arabian airlines. The vacation period - from June 25 to Oct 10 - is a 108 day long peak working season for the airlines. The airlines is facing enormously high volumes of traffic this season. “The peak Umrah season extends till the end of Ramadan followed by Eid Al-Fitr and this season also includes teachers traveling on their vacations,” said Khalid Bin Abdullah Almolhem, director general of Saudia. “This is a big challenge for us.” The airline increased its resources and enhanced cooperation with government and international airports to ensure smooth operations. “Our 2008 operation plan aims to provide seven million seats,” said Almolhem. “We will serve with the best available human resources and field preparations.” Private companies have been contracted to provide additional staff for reservations and luggage handling. “Our plan was to respond to 80 percent of the reservation queries,” Almolhem said. “400 temporary workers have been employed at different stations to speed up luggage handling.” The main problem the airline faces is from passengers who don't turn up on their traveling dates and also don't bother to inform the airline staff. “We suffer heavy losses,” said Almolhem. “Last year four million seats went waste in the peak season due to such irresponsible behavior.” – SG __
