Delta Airlines and Riyadh Air have signed a strategic partnership agreement. Let’s go over the details.
Delta-Riyadh Air partnership
Delta and Riyadh Air have signed a strategic agreement “with the goal of introducing a broad range of benefits for customers traveling between North America, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and destinations beyond”. The airlines say that this agreement will serve “as the foundation for a strategic partnership that will enable both airlines to strengthen connectivity, expand their networks and drive future growth”.
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. We appreciate the opportunity to work with the Riyadh Air team and the PIF as they transform the transportation economy in the Kingdom.
Ed Bastian, Chief Executive Officer, Delta Airlines said.
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The agreement, as per the airlines, envisions “a long-term relationship”. This includes interline and codeshare connectivity, as well as a deeper partnership encompassing loyalty, customer experience, digital transformation and broader aviation services such as maintenance, repair and overhaul services, ground handling and training. In the future, the airlines intend to explore an immunized joint venture to further expand the partnership and allow collaboration on network planning and growth in the region.
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.
Tony Douglas, Chief Executive Officer, Riyadh Air said.
The partnership also includes Delta possibly launched a nonstop service between the U.S. and Riyadh. The new Saudi Arabian airline’s passengers will easily be able to connect on Delta to hundreds of destinations in the U.S. and beyond.
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.
Ed Bastian added.
Riyadh Air will operate a fleet of Boeing B787-9 Dreamliners with an aim to serve 100 destinations by 2030. The carrier is expected to begin operations in 2025.
Featured image by Delta
What do you think of Delta and Riyadh Air’s partnership? Let me know in the comments section below.
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