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Article - Airline

Riyadh Air and Delta announce new partnership

by Jeffrey Teruel - Founder/Editor-Flights in Asia
Published on July 09, 2024

Summary

Riyadh Air has announced the addition of its first airline partner from North America – Delta Airlines (Delta).



Riyadh Air has announced the addition of its first airline partner from North America – Delta Airlines (Delta).


The Riyadh-based startup airline and the Atlanta-based carriers announced both have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the goal to introduce a broad range of benefits of benefits for customers traveling between North America, Saudi Arabia, and other destinations beyond their respective hubs.


Subject to regulatory approvals, the partnership between Riyadh Air and Delta will include interline and codeshare operations, enhanced loyalty benefits, customer experiences, loyalty program benefits, and broader aviation support services.


Both carriers stated the partnership will open new destinations in Saudi Arabia and beyond for Delta customers, while also opening destinations within North America for customers of Riyadh Air. Delta stated it plans to launch a future non-stop service between the US and Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport. In the future, the airlines stated the intention to explore a joint venture to expand their partnership.


“We look forward to enjoying a very warm and productive relationship with Delta Air Lines, one of the largest and most successful airlines in the world. Riyadh Air and Delta Air Lines share common goals and pursue the highest standards in many areas including guest experience, loyalty, and sustainability, built upon great networks and strong connectivity,” said Tony Douglas, CEO, Riyadh Air.


“This partnership with Riyadh Air will further Delta’s mission of connecting the world and open an array of new choices, benefits and destinations for our customers traveling to and from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” said Ed Bastian, CEO, Delta. “Most importantly, Riyadh Air shares Delta’s commitment to providing an elevated customer experience, which is why we’re looking forward to building and expanding this partnership in the months and years ahead. We appreciate the opportunity to work with the Riyadh Air team and the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia as they transform the transportation economy in the Kingdom.”


Ahead of its start of operations in 2025, Riyadh Air has already signed partnerships with several airlines. Delta will be the main North America-based partner, joining China-based Air China and China Eastern, Singapore Airlines, and Egypt Air. 

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