Delta Air Lines and Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s innovative new full-service global carrier, have signed a strategic cooperation memorandum of understanding aimed at delivering extensive benefits to customers travelling between North America, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and beyond.
The agreement, signed on July 9, at a ceremony at Delta’s World Headquarters in Atlanta, lays the groundwork for a strategic alliance that will enhance connectivity, broaden networks and stimulate future growth for both airlines.
The partnership anticipates a lasting collaboration, pending regulatory approvals, encompassing interline and codeshare connectivity. It will also deepen ties in loyalty programmes, customer experience, digital innovation and broader aviation services such as maintenance, repair and overhaul, ground handling and training. Future plans include exploring an immunized joint venture to further extend cooperation in network planning and regional growth. Both airlines are committed to promoting best sustainability practices across their operations as they redefine the future of air travel.
This collaboration will expand Delta’s network in Saudi Arabia and beyond, including future nonstop flights between the U.S. and King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. It will introduce new travel opportunities for leisure explorers discovering the region and enhance business travel to Riyadh, a G20 capital, and other global destinations. Additionally, Riyadh Air customers will benefit from Delta’s extensive North American network, renowned for its reliability and exceptional service.
The alliance is timely, coinciding with substantial investments transforming Saudi Arabia into an increasingly popular destination for leisure and business travellers alike. Travel is pivotal to the nation’s long-term economic strategy, with an US$800 billion investment in tourism, including luxury resorts on the Red Sea, accessibility to historical sites like Diriyah and al-Ula, and hosting the 2030 Riyadh Expo.
Riyadh Air, scheduled to commence operations in 2025, is dedicated to establishing a premier carrier hub in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s capital, serving travellers across the Middle East. Delta, approaching its centenary next year, stands as the most decorated U.S. airline with a leading global network and an unmatched reputation for exceptional customer service and operational excellence.
