JEDDAH: In a compelling blend of modern aviation technology and nostalgia, a Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner, adorned with Saudia’s iconic 1980s design, made a splendid appearance in the Kingdom’s airspace as it returned to its homeland from the US on Tuesday.
The journey of Flight SV9014, piloted by Capt. Ali Al-Shehri, saw it embark from Everett, Washington in the US for King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah.
In a video, Al-Shehri mentioned that the Boeing 787-10 has a lighter weight compared to the 787-9 model, along with different interior features. Additionally, it boasts lower fuel consumption than the older version and offers additional seat capacity for more than 50 people.
Saudia’s Capt. Mohammed Al-Shyban shared details of the flight’s departure and arrival on X, formerly known as Twitter, which ignited a wave of excitement, and photographers assembled in anticipation of the landing.
Ahmad Al-Yamani, an amateur aviation photographer, was at the forefront. His collection of images not only documented the flight’s journey but also tapped into a wellspring of nostalgia within the Saudi community.
He told Arab News: “I am dedicated to capturing images of airplanes, as my deep-rooted passion for aviation has existed for a considerable time. From a young age, I aspired to become a pilot, but as aspirations alone aren’t always sufficient to materialize dreams, I turned to photographing airplanes.”
The Saudia airline emblem, a visual representation of the nation’s culture and heritage, has undergone subtle transformations over its history. Changes to the crest have largely coincided with alterations in the airline’s name, reflecting shifts in the company’s scope and operations.
During the 1980s, the airline expanded into various sectors, including catering and commerce. This transformation was mirrored in the logo’s design, and the lettering adopted a more sophisticated form with elongated line endings.
While the emblem retained its English lettering, it also embraced elements reminiscent of Arabic script. The colors of the lines surrounding the plane — varying shades of blue and green — were prominently displayed on the Boeing 787-10 aircraft, creating a visual link between past and the present.
