Delta and Riyadh Air Team Up to Boost Travel, Offer Superior Passenger Benefits for Flights Connecting Saudi Arabia and North America

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Delta Air Lines, the world’s leading premium airline, and Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s innovative new full-service global carrier, have signed a Strategic Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding. This agreement aims to introduce a wide array of benefits for customers traveling between North America, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and beyond.

The signing ceremony took place today at Delta’s World Headquarters in Atlanta, marking the beginning of a strategic partnership designed to enhance connectivity, expand networks, and drive future growth for both airlines. This collaboration promises to deliver a superior travel experience and increased convenience for passengers, fostering stronger ties between the two regions.

“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.”

“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,” said Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas.

Delta Air Lines and Riyadh Air have announced a groundbreaking agreement that envisions a long-term partnership, pending regulatory approvals. This collaboration will enhance interline and codeshare connectivity, deepen cooperation in loyalty programs, customer experience, digital transformation, and broaden aviation services including maintenance, repair, overhaul services, ground handling, and training.

The future holds even more potential, as both airlines plan to explore an immunized joint venture. This initiative aims to further expand their partnership, enabling collaborative network planning and regional growth. Both companies are also dedicated to implementing the best sustainability practices across their operations, paving the way for a greener future in travel.

For Delta customers, this partnership will unlock new destinations in Saudi Arabia and beyond. This includes future nonstop Delta flights between the U.S. and King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. Leisure travelers will gain access to a new and exciting region, while business travelers will find new opportunities in Riyadh, a key G20 capital city, along with other destinations. Riyadh Air customers will benefit from Delta’s extensive North American network, providing seamless access to hundreds of destinations across the U.S. and beyond, renowned for Delta’s reliability and superior service.

This partnership comes amidst significant investments in Saudi Arabia, positioning it as a major hub for both leisure and business travel. The Kingdom’s ambitious $800 billion tourism investment includes the development of luxury resorts on the Red Sea, the opening of historical sites such as Diriyah and al-Ula to visitors, and the hosting of the 2030 Riyadh Expo. These developments are central to Saudi Arabia’s long-term economic growth strategy.

Riyadh Air, set to commence operations in 2025, aims to become a premier carrier for travelers to and from the Middle East, with its base in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia. Delta Air Lines, celebrating its 100th anniversary next year, stands as the most-awarded U.S. airline, boasting a leading global network and a stellar reputation for exceptional customer service and operational excellence.

This partnership marks a significant step in transforming the future of global travel, offering unparalleled connectivity and customer experiences across two dynamic and rapidly growing markets.

“It’s fitting that Riyadh Air will begin its journey the same year that Delta launches our second century of flight,” Bastian said. “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.”