Jaan Albrecht appointed CEO of Saudi Arabian Airlines Group

Saudi Arabian Airlines Group has appointed former SunExpress CEO Jaan Albrecht as the CEO of mainline carrier Saudia, the Group confirmed to ATW.

Albrecht will be joining the airline at the beginning of January 2017, reporting directly to Group DG Saleh Al Jasser.

Albrecht, who recently resigned as SunExpress CEO, is also former CEO of Austrian Airlines and Star Alliance, with more than more than 40 years' experience in the aviation industry.  He spent 28 years at Mexicana Airlines in a number of leadership positions.

In 2001, Albrecht became Star Alliance CEO, managing the growth of the alliance from 10 to 27 member airlines in 25 countries.

Albrecht spent four years as Austrian Airlines’ CEO, managing the successful turnaround of



the company.

“One of the key strategies of Saudia Arabian is to become a high-quality carrier like other companies in the Middle East region,” Albrecht told ATW in an exclusive interview.

Saudia Arabian Airlines is a member of the SkyTeam alliance.

The new Saudi Arabian management also includes international managers in positions as CFO and CCOs, to further develop the carrier.

“We welcome Mr. Albrecht to the leadership team. Jaan will be a great addition to Saudia as he leads the airline to further heights as part of our Group Transformation 2020 Strategy. Jaan’s experience and drive will further enhance Saudia’s position as the premier national airline of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” Jasser said in a statement.