Delta partners with Riyadh Air for US-Saudi flights

Delta Air Lines has entered a strategic partnership with Riyadh Air to operate flights between the United States and Saudi Arabia.

Riyadh Air is Saudi Arabia’s new full-service global carrier. The Saudi sovereign wealth fund supports the airline, set to start passenger flights in 2025.

The two carriers signed the agreement on July 9, in a ceremony at Delta’s World Headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia. The Strategic Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding marks their joint objective of unlocking benefits for travelers flying between the US and Saudi Arabia.

Moreover, these benefits include strengthened connectivity, future growth opportunities, and increased flight options between the two countries.

Maintenance, repair services, and codesharing

With the partnership, Delta and Riyadh Air aim for a wider array of aviation services. These specifically include maintenance, repair and overhaul services, ground handling, training, as well as codesharing.

Codesharing essentially refers to a functionality wherein both airlines can sell tickets on each other’s flights. This is a feature that must first be approved by the U.S. Transportation Department.

In line with this, Delta and Riyadh Air also aspire to enter a joint venture in the future. Together, they aim to strengthen their collaboration on network planning and growth in the region.

Delta and Riyadh Air: Transforming the transportation economy

Remarked Delta CEO Ed Bastian, “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,”

“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,” he added.

“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 also noted that at the onset, the bulk of passengers may be those on flights to the US. However, as Saudi tourism grows, he expects this to even out over time.

Greater networks and enhanced connectivity

Meanwhile, Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas shared, “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.”

Currently, there are no direct flights from the US to Saudi Arabia. However, Saudi flagship carrier Saudia has nonstop flights between Saudi Arabia and New York, Dulles International Airport, and Los Angeles. Saudia is known for offering free Saudi transit visas for travelers passing through Saudi Arabia.

Matthew Groh, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons