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Riyadh: The National Air Services (NAS) a private Riyadh-based, low cost airline, yesterday operated its first flight between Riyadh and Jeddah.
An Airbus A320 took off from Riyadh King Khalid International Airport, a company official said. Commercial flights will begin on February 25 with three daily flights between Riyadh and Jeddah.
The second phase will start in March with flights to three Saudi cities.
A high volume of passengers was recorded on the first day with more than 2,500 booked on the company's flights during the first 24 hours since the company announced the activation of its booking service.
NAS Chief Executive Officer Peter Grifeth said the high level of bookings indicated the acceptance of the new, private airline's services.
Huge market
NAS is planning to increase its domestic destinations to 23 by the end of the second year of operations before launching international flights, NAS officials said.
"The market is huge, with 24.6 million persons living in Saudi Arabia in addition to 1.4 billion who come here at some time during their lives," he said, referring to Muslims who come to Saudi Arabia every year to perform the Haj and Umra.
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