Riyadh Air on Tuesday signed an agreement with US-based Delta Air Lines, marking a significant partnership for the Saudi start-up as it prepares to commence operations next year. Under the agreement, the Saudi airline will be Delta’s exclusive partner in Riyadh and beyond.
The airlines also announced that the partnership would include a non-stop service operated by Delta between the US and King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. Currently, no US airline offers non-stop flights to Saudi Arabia. Saudi operates non-stop flights to Saudi Arabia from Los Angeles, Washington Dulles Airport, and New York.
“This partnership with Riyadh Air will further Delta’s mission of connecting the world and provide an array of new choices, benefits, and destinations for our customers travelling to and from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” said Delta chief executive Ed Bastian. Delta will also serve as Riyadh Air’s exclusive partner in the US, offering hundreds of destinations within the country for Riyadh Air customers.
“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,” stated Riyadh Air chief executive Tony Douglas.
The partnership will also enable them to collaborate on flight schedules and routes, and allow the airlines to sell tickets on each other’s flights. Additionally, it will include other services such as maintenance, repairs, ground handling, and training, according to a joint statement. The airlines said they would explore further plans to expand their partnership and collaborate on network planning in the region.
Riyadh Air’s agreement with Delta comes as Saudi Arabia aims to significantly expand its tourism industry, backed by billions of dollars to diversify its economy through the Vision 2030 project. The airline is scheduled to launch its maiden flight in 2025 and aims to fly to more than 100 destinations worldwide by 2030. The preliminary agreement, signed at Delta’s headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, is subject to regulatory approval.
