The partnership encompasses loyalty, customer experience, digital transformation and broader aviation services
In an effort to expand the range of advantages for passengers flying between North America, Saudi Arabia and parts of the world, leading American airline Delta and Riyadh Air, the newest carrier in Saudi Arabia, have signed a Strategic Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding.
According to a press statement by Riyadh Air, the agreement serves as the foundation for a strategic partnership that will enable both airlines to strengthen connectivity, expand their networks and drive future growth. It was inked at Delta’s global headquarters at Atlanta in Georgia.
The airline says that this agreement envisions a long-term relationship, that includes interline and codeshare connectivity, as well as a deeper partnership encompassing loyalty, customer experience, digital transformation and broader aviation services such as maintenance, repair and overhaul services, ground handling and training.
Ed Bastian
The statement adds that in the future, the airlines intend to explore an immunised joint venture to further expand the partnership and allow collaboration on network planning and growth in the region.
“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 travelling to and from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” says Ed Bastian, CEO, Delta.
“Most importantly, Riyadh Air shares Delta’s commitment to providing an elevated customer experience, which is why we are 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,” Bastian adds.
Tony Douglas
“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,” says Tony Douglas, CEO, Riyadh Air.
According to Riyadh Air, this partnership will open new destinations in Saudi Arabia and beyond for Delta customers, including future nonstop service on Delta between the US and King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh.
It goes on to say that the partnership will provide leisure travellers with a new region of the world to explore while creating new opportunities for business travellers to Riyadh and destinations beyond.
The airline says it will offer Delta’s leading North American network for Riyadh Air customers, offering convenient access to hundreds of destinations in the US and beyond with Delta’s reliability and elevated service.
The new partnership comes as large-scale, ongoing investments in the Kingdom are transforming it into a popular and attractive destination for both leisure and business travellers.
The statement adds that travel is central to the nation’s long-term economic growth plan, with an USD 800 billion investment in the tourism sector that includes development of luxury resorts on the Red Sea, the opening of the Diriyah and al-Ula historical site to visitors, and the hosting of the 2030 Riyadh Expo.
According to the statement, Riyadh Air, which will begin operations in 2025, is committed to building a premier carrier for customers traveling to and from the Middle East, with its base of operations in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia. Delta, which will mark its 100th anniversary next year, is the most-awarded US airline with an industry-leading global network and an unrivalled reputation for outstanding customer service and operational excellence.
“It is fitting that Riyadh Air will begin its journey the same year that Delta launches our second century of flight,” Bastian said.
“We will have many opportunities to learn from each other and become better airlines for our mutual customers, our employees, our investors and our communities as we fly forward together,” he adds.