by Lacey Pfalz
Last updated: 9:45 AM ET, Wed July 10, 2024
Delta Air Lines announced a new partnership with upcoming Saudi Arabian airline Riyadh Air to become exclusive partners in North America, Riyadh and beyond.
The two airlines signed a Strategic Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding at a ceremony at Delta’s World Headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia.
The partnership is a long-term agreement that includes interline and codeshare connectivity and much more, including loyalty and customer experience offerings. Delta customers will enjoy future nonstop service on Delta between airports in the U.S. and Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport. It will also offer Riyadh Air customers Delta’s network in North America.
“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,” said Delta CEO Ed Bastian. “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. 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.”
Saudi Arabia is experiencing a travel investment boom, and Riyadh Air is expected to take full advantage when it begins operating in 2025. The kingdom is investing $800 billion into the tourism sector.
“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,” said Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas. “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.”
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