Delta Air Lines and Riyadh Air forge strategic partnership to expand global connectivity

Delta Air Lines and Riyadh Air have formalized a Strategic Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding aimed at enhancing travel options between North America, Saudi Arabia, and beyond.

The agreement, signed today at Delta’s World Headquarters in Atlanta, establishes a framework for a strategic alliance that will enable both airlines to bolster connectivity, broaden their route networks, and foster future growth.

“This partnership with Riyadh Air represents a significant step forward in Delta’s mission to connect the world, offering our customers expanded choices, benefits, and access to new destinations in Saudi Arabia and beyond,” stated Delta CEO Ed Bastian. 

“Crucially, Riyadh Air shares Delta’s commitment to delivering an elevated customer experience, and we eagerly anticipate expanding this collaboration in the coming months and years. We are grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with Riyadh Air and the PIF as they revolutionize transportation in the Kingdom,” added Bastian.

“We are excited to embark on a productive relationship with Delta Air Lines, one of the world’s largest and most successful airlines. Riyadh Air and Delta share common objectives and uphold high standards across guest experience, loyalty, and sustainability, underpinned by robust networks and seamless connectivity,” remarked Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas.

The memorandum outlines a long-term partnership, subject to regulatory approvals, encompassing interline and codeshare agreements. 

It also paves the way for deeper cooperation in loyalty programs, customer experience enhancements, digital transformation initiatives, and broader aviation services such as maintenance, repair, and overhaul, ground handling, and training. 

Future plans include exploring an immunized joint venture to further expand collaboration in network planning and growth across the region. Both airlines are committed to implementing sustainable practices to shape the future of travel responsibly.

Under this partnership, Delta customers can look forward to new routes and services, including anticipated nonstop flights between the U.S. and Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport. 

Leisure travelers will gain access to explore a new region of the world, while business travelers will benefit from enhanced connectivity to Riyadh, a prominent G20 capital, and beyond. Riyadh Air passengers will gain seamless access to Delta’s extensive North American network, renowned for reliability and premium service.

This collaboration coincides with significant ongoing investments in Saudi Arabia, positioning the Kingdom as an increasingly attractive destination for both leisure and business travellers. 

Central to Saudi Arabia’s long-term economic strategy is an $800 billion investment in the tourism sector, featuring developments like luxury resorts on the Red Sea and the opening of historic sites to visitors.

Riyadh Air, set to commence operations in 2025 from its base in Riyadh, aims to establish itself as a premier carrier serving the Middle East region. 

Delta, approaching its centenary in aviation excellence, stands as the most-awarded U.S. airline, renowned for its expansive global network and dedication to exceptional customer service and operational excellence.

“As Riyadh Air embarks on its journey in 2025, Delta prepares to enter its second century of flight,” Bastian added. “We anticipate a fruitful exchange of knowledge and growth opportunities that will benefit our mutual customers, employees, investors, and communities as we propel forward together.”

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