The
free "luggage first" step of Saudi Airlines' departure process for
pilgrims who completed the Hajj on Thursday has started.
In
collaboration with Jeddah Management Company, the first-of-its-kind
transportation service was operated last month. 24 hours prior to the trip, the
service picked up the pilgrim's luggage from their lodging in Jeddah, Makkah,
or Madinah, transported it to the airport, and checked it in on their behalf.
During
a visit to JMC's luggage scanning facilities, Hani Al-Hitairshi, general
manager of Saudi Airlines' domestic stations, spoke with the media. Al-Hitairshi
stated that phase two of the luggage transfer operation has been completed by
the airline.
According
to him, "We received the luggage that was handed from the lodging of these
guests, then to this section (luggage scanning facility) for clearance before
dispatching them to the airport."
The
luggage is cleared during this stage if it contains any forbidden products or
anything else that cannot be transported by air, he explained.
The
airlines then start sending all bags directly to the airport. He stated that it
was critical for Saudi Airlines to offer simple access and safety to pilgrims.
This is the initiative for this year, according to Saudi Airlines, which used
to offer a fresh project every year, he said.
This
is crucial; in order to please our customers, we must innovate and improve our
offerings. Mohammed Al-Sheikh, the chairman of the JMC board, stated that they
also worked with the airport security.
"We
already have five inspection systems in place, and we work closely with airport
security. According to him, the luggage will enter our facility first and go
through the system first.
"Inspections
will have been conducted by the security team in accordance with their
procedures. There is an inspection, a representative from each airline, and us
to open it if necessary, he added.
He
gave the example of "Zamzam" water as an object that might not be
allowed on a flight. "If there are additional items," he stated,
"the security will take the appropriate procedures."
Each
flight's unique pallet is constructed and delivered to the dispatch location.
After that, it will be driven in a large truck to the airport 24 hours before
takeoff.
“The
driver will provide our crew with all the necessary information when they get
to the designated place for dropping off luggage near the Hajj terminal,” he
stated.
He
added that the actual document is with the driver, and the information is sent
through email prior to arrival. They gather it, hand it over to a
representative of the airline, and then the airline's ground activities will
take place within the airport.
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