On the occasion of the Saudi-French Investment Forum in Riyadh, Air France-KLM announced significant developments aimed at enhancing its presence in Saudi Arabia. These initiatives, supported by the Saudi Air Connectivity Program and partnerships with Saudia, reflect the airline group’s commitment to fostering greater connectivity and collaboration between France, the Netherlands, and Saudi Arabia.
Air France to launch Riyadh-Paris route in summer 2025
Air France-KLM revealed plans to introduce a new service between Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Riyadh, to be operated by Air France starting in the summer of 2025. This announcement was made in the presence of Sultan AlMusallam, Deputy Minister of Tourism for International Affairs. The new service will complement the group’s existing operations in Saudi Arabia, which include KLM flights to Riyadh and Dammam from Amsterdam Schiphol and Transavia flights to Jeddah from Paris-Orly and Lyon.
“Saudi Arabia is rapidly emerging as a world-class destination and a key gateway,” said Benjamin Smith, CEO of Air France-KLM. “We are delighted to support the Kingdom in this new chapter by expanding our connections and strengthening our existing ones, and thank the Saudi Air Connectivity Program for its valuable support.”
The Saudi Air Connectivity Program, a government initiative, is a key partner in these developments. Majid Khan, CEO of the program, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration: “The commencement of direct flights from Air France-KLM between King Khalid International Airport, Riyadh, and Charles de Gaulle, Paris, from summer 2025, will enable the two-way flow of thousands more tourists between our two great countries.”
Strengthened cooperation between Air France-KLM and Saudia
In a parallel development, Air France-KLM and Saudia signed a strategic memorandum of understanding (MoU) to deepen their collaboration in passenger transport and aircraft maintenance. The signing ceremony took place at the Saudi-French Investment Forum, attended by French President Emmanuel Macron.
As existing partners in the SkyTeam alliance, Air France-KLM and Saudia aim to improve connectivity between their home markets and expand their codeshare and interline agreements. This partnership will enhance travel options and streamline customer experiences, including terminal co-location at key airports.
“Our strengthened partnership with Saudia reflects a mutual interest in expanding commercial cooperation and pooling expertise,” said Benjamin Smith. “This agreement is particularly significant in the strategic MRO [Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul] activity, where Air France Industries-KLM Engineering and Maintenance is already a leader.”
Maintenance and localisation initiatives
The MoU also emphasises the importance of MRO collaboration. Air France Industries-KLM Engineering and Maintenance (AFIKLM E&M) will undertake at least 50% of the maintenance work on Saudia’s GE90 engines, which power Boeing 777 aircraft. The agreement includes localising the assembly and disassembly of these engine modules, supporting Saudia’s goal to develop local talent and capabilities.
Additionally, Saudia and Air France-KLM plan to explore the creation of a joint venture for GEnx engines, used in Boeing 787 aircraft. H.E. Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, remarked, “This agreement reflects the visionary leadership of the Saudia Group Board and aligns with the Saudi Aviation Strategy, demonstrating our commitment to advancing the Kingdom’s aviation sector.”
Expanding Saudi connectivity
This winter, Air France-KLM will operate up to 10 weekly flights to and from Saudi Arabia. These include the launch of new Transavia France services to Jeddah from Paris-Orly and Lyon. The initiatives highlight the airline group’s intention to meet growing demand and support Saudi Arabia’s ambitions as a global aviation hub.
With these developments, Air France-KLM and Saudia are poised to play pivotal roles in strengthening air connectivity and advancing aviation sector goals in Saudi Arabia and beyond.
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Photos courtesy of AIR FRANCE – KLM
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Read also: Virgin Atlantic to launch direct flights from London Heathrow to Riyadh in 2025
