The privatization plan of Saudi Arabian Airlines has reached an advanced stage. Dr. Khaled Bin Bakr, the Director General of the Airline, said a scientific study on the project would be presented to the Cabinet shortly. "The scientific program for the privatization of Saudi Arabian Airlines, prepared by a number of specialized international companies, has been completed. It will be presented to the Council of Ministers shortly," Dr. Bin-Bakr told Arab News. Prince Sultan Bin Abdul-Aziz, the Second Deputy Premier and Minister of Defense and Aviation, and Chairman of the Airline's board, signed agreements with a number of international consultancy agencies in October 2000 to prepare the privatization program. Dr Bin Bakr said Prince Sultan would open the aviation academy at the Saudia City tomorrow. He described the academy, which is named after Prince Sultan, as one of the largest aviation training centers in the Middle East. Prince Sultan laid the foundation stone for the academy on July 24, 2002. --MORE 1105 Local Time 0805 GMT
