Delta Air Lines and Riyadh Air have signed a Strategic Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding. This agreement aims to provide numerous benefits for passengers traveling between North America, Saudi Arabia, and beyond.
The agreement, signed at Delta’s World Headquarters in Atlanta, marks the beginning of a strategic partnership that will enhance connectivity and expand the networks of both airlines. Delta CEO Ed Bastian emphasized the significance of this partnership, stating, “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.”
Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas echoed this sentiment, expressing enthusiasm for the collaboration with Delta. “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.”
The partnership will include interline and codeshare connectivity, enabling seamless travel between the networks of both airlines. Additionally, the agreement covers various areas such as loyalty programs, customer experience, digital transformation, and aviation services including maintenance, repair, and overhaul services, ground handling, and training. Both airlines also aim to explore an immunized joint venture to further enhance their collaboration in network planning and regional growth.
New Opportunities for Travelers
For Delta customers, this partnership will open up new destinations in Saudi Arabia and beyond, including potential nonstop service between the U.S. and King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. This will provide leisure travelers with new regions to explore and create opportunities for business travelers to Riyadh, a G20 capital city.
Riyadh Air customers will benefit from Delta’s extensive North American network, offering convenient access to hundreds of destinations in the U.S. and beyond. The collaboration will ensure high standards of customer service, reliability, and an elevated travel experience.
The partnership aligns with Saudi Arabia’s ambitious plans to transform its tourism sector with an $800 billion investment. Projects include developing luxury resorts on the Red Sea, opening historical sites like Diriyah and Al-Ula to visitors, and hosting the 2030 Riyadh Expo. These efforts aim to make Saudi Arabia an attractive destination for both leisure and business travelers.
Looking Ahead
Riyadh Air is set to begin operations in 2025, aiming to establish itself as a premier carrier in the Middle East. Delta, preparing to celebrate its 100th anniversary, continues to be the most-awarded U.S. airline with a reputation for excellent customer service and operational efficiency.
Ed Bastian noted the significance of the timing, saying, “It’s fitting that Riyadh Air will begin its journey the same year that Delta launches our second century of flight. We’ll 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.”
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