Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s newest national airline, has signed three significant Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with Singapore Airlines (SIA), Air China, and China Eastern Airlines. These agreements mark a major step forward in Riyadh Air’s ambitious growth plans, enhancing connectivity and digital innovation.
Partnership with Singapore Airlines
On 2 June 2024, during the 80th International Air Transport Association (IATA) Annual General Meeting and World Air Transport Summit in Dubai, UAE, Riyadh Air and Singapore Airlines formalised their partnership. The MoU was signed by Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas and Singapore Airlines CEO Goh Choon Phong. This agreement sets the stage for a wide range of collaborative initiatives between the two carriers.
The partnership will explore opportunities for interline connectivity, codeshare arrangements, reciprocal benefits for frequent flyer programme members, cargo services, customer experience, and digital innovation, subject to regulatory approval. This strategic collaboration aims to provide substantial benefits to passengers of both airlines. Riyadh Air customers will gain access to SIA’s extensive network in Southeast Asia and the South West Pacific region, while SIA’s passengers will enjoy greater access to the Middle East through Riyadh Air’s expanding network.
Tony Douglas expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “Our strategic partnership with Singapore Airlines unlocks significant benefits for our future guests as it grows our network in collaboration with the World’s Best Airline. We see huge potential for strong connectivity in Southeast Asia and both Australia and New Zealand through the award-winning hub at Singapore Changi Airport, while also providing opportunities for westbound passengers to connect across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Middle East region on Riyadh Air. This relationship is a meaningful and deep cooperation that starts with a wide-ranging codeshare agreement and is expected to include a broad range of areas including digital and technology, loyalty and cargo.”
Goh Choon Phong echoed this sentiment, highlighting the mutual advantages of the agreement. “This win-win strategic partnership with Riyadh Air will enable us to offer even more options, enhanced connectivity, and greater benefits to our customers. Together, we can facilitate the growth of passenger travel between Saudi Arabia and Singapore, and beyond, via our respective networks, supporting both tourism and business links. The MoU will also allow us to find ways to work together to enhance customer experience and cargo services, and harness digital tools and solutions, potentially bringing greater benefits to both airlines in the future.”
Partnership with Air China
Following the agreement with Singapore Airlines, Riyadh Air signed another MoU with Air China on 3 June at the IATA annual general meeting in Dubai. This partnership reflects the warm relationship between Saudi Arabia and China and their developing economic and political ties. The MoU was signed to open significant opportunities for connectivity between Beijing and Riyadh, two major G20 capital cities.
Tony Douglas commented on the partnership with Air China, saying, “Our partnership with Air China, a leading global carrier with a vast network in key Chinese markets, complements Riyadh Air’s ambitious future plans. This MoU represents a significant step towards establishing a long-term partnership that will facilitate seamless travel for passengers between China and the Middle East and beyond. Together, we will solidify our positions as vital links, further strengthening the economic and cultural ties between our regions and aligning with both China’s Belt and Road Initiatives and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.”
Air China’s chairman of the board of directors expressed his satisfaction with the MoU, noting Riyadh Air’s strategic geographic position. He highlighted Riyadh Air’s potential to be a key gateway for Chinese travellers to the Middle East, playing a pivotal role in facilitating trade and tourism in line with the development plans and visions of both countries. “This MoU marks the beginning of a mutually beneficial partnership between two national carriers connecting two prominent capitals globally, and with a focus on expanding the route network covered by the two air carriers and enhancing prospects for cooperation. We are keen to work and coordinate jointly to achieve the desired results in the long term,” he said.
Partnership with China Eastern Airlines
Riyadh Air also signed an MoU with China Eastern Airlines on 3 June at the IATA AGM in Dubai, marking a significant step forward in its future entry into the key Chinese market. This partnership strengthens the growing economic and cultural ties between China and Saudi Arabia while unlocking new travel options for underserved markets.
Tony Douglas highlighted the importance of this partnership, stating, “This MoU marks a significant milestone for Riyadh Air as China is a hugely important market for our future network. By closely collaborating with China Eastern Airlines, a leading player in the Chinese market, we can unlock new travel opportunities and drive economic growth across both countries. We are particularly excited to explore synergies in digital innovation, where both airlines share a commitment to the future of travel. Our collaboration extends beyond conventional connectivity, fostering collaboration on digital transformation, a critical area for Chinese airlines. Recognizing China Eastern’s ongoing digitalization efforts, Riyadh Air sees immense potential for knowledge sharing and technology development. Riyadh Air’s pioneering approach perfectly aligns with China Eastern’s focus on digital transformation, creating a powerful partnership for the future.”
Wang Zhiqing, Chairman of China Eastern Airlines, added, “Benefiting from the forward development of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Saudi Arabia, China Eastern Airlines has reached a strategic cooperation with Riyadh Air focused on the future. The signing of this Memorandum of Understanding outlines the broad direction for cooperation between the two companies in areas such as business and promotes exchanges in information technology and digital operations. We are full of anticipation for the outcomes of this cooperation. China Eastern Airlines is committed to driving high-quality development through comprehensive digital empowerment, enhancing core competitiveness, and providing excellent products and experiences for our customers.”
Riyadh Air’s Ambitious Future
Riyadh Air, slated to commence commercial operations in 2025, aims to become the world’s most forward-thinking carrier. By 2030, it plans to connect passengers to 100 destinations globally, prioritising sustainability and setting a new standard for travel. These partnerships are pivotal to Riyadh Air’s role in achieving the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which includes diversifying the Saudi economy, creating more jobs, and contributing to the Kingdom’s non-oil gross domestic product (GDP).
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Image courtesy Riyadh Air
