NEW YORK—At the IATA annual general meeting, Riyadh Air signed agreements with Singapore Airlines and China Airlines to establish commercial partnerships and strengthen relations.
Riyadh Air is a new endeavor backed by the powerful Saudi Public Investment Fund that is expected to take flight in 2025.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz announced the formation of Riyadh Air in March 2023 in an effort to “leverage Saudi Arabia’s strategic geographic location between the three continents of Asia, Africa, and Europe.”
The airline will feature a fleet of 39 Boeing 787-9 aircraft, which will be painted in its two bold, purple liveries. Riyadh Air has options to purchase an additional 33 of this type of aircraft.
The agreement, a memorandum of understanding signed by Riyadh Air and Singapore Airlines, will allow the airlines to “explore opportunities for interline connectivity,” a common practice among many airlines.
This type of arrangement typically manifests in reciprocal benefits for frequent flyer program members for both airlines, cargo operation cooperation, and other means of connectivity that make for a more seamless experience for customers.
Riyadh Air signed a similar memorandum of understanding with Air China, the flag carrier of China, to collaborate on potential arrangements that could include interline traffic and codeshare flights.
As a new state airline backed by the Saudi Public Investment Fund, Riyadh Air plays a role in the world of diplomacy.
These agreements are the instruments through which Riyadh Air, and thereby the Saudi government, is strengthening ties not only between airlines but between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the two Asian countries.
Looking Forward
With plans to begin operations in 2025, Riyadh Air is embarking upon an ambitious mission to challenge Emirates and Qatar Airways, among others.
As such, the new airline will aim to take advantage of the lucrative airline business model that transports passengers between a wide array of cities through large hubs in the Middle East.
The airline’s selection of the Boeing 787-9, which can transport approximately 300 passengers, complements its plans for network development.
The 787-9 provides attractive passenger experience features, such as LED lighting, cabin pressurization at a lower altitude, and large overhead bins.
Additionally, the aircraft type delivers favorable fuel efficiency and operating economics, which are in line with the airline’s ambitious growth plans.
The Rundown
- Riyadh Air signed agreements with Singapore Airlines and China Airlines to establish commercial partnerships and strengthen relations.
- Riyadh Air is a new endeavor backed by the powerful Saudi Public Investment Fund that is expected to take flight in 2025.
- These agreements are the instruments through which Riyadh Air, and thereby the Saudi government, is strengthening ties not only between airlines but between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the two Asian countries.