Tag Archives: Riyadh Air

Delta and Riyadh Air sign strategic agreement to expand connectivity and premium travel options across North America, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and beyond. New partnership will include a range of benefits for consumers traveling between North America, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and beyond. Delta, Riyadh Air to strengthen connectivity and harness future growth opportunities for both carriers. Agreement will enhance competition with an array of new travel choices for consumers, including future Delta service between the U.S. and Riyadh. Delta will serve as Riyadh Air’s exclusive partner in North America, while Riyadh Air will be Delta’s exclusive partner in Riyadh and beyond. Delta Air Lines, the world’s leading premium airline, and Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s innovative new full-service global carrier, have signed a Strategic Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding 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 agreement, signed today at a ceremony at Delta’s World Headquarters in Atlanta, serves 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, said Delta CEO Ed Bastian. 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 Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia as …

Riyadh Air in collaboration with the Saudi fashion designer Ashi, founder of Parisian couture house ASHI Studio, has unveiled its first-ever fashion collection, during Haute Couture Week in Paris. The airline took to the runway in style showcasing its stunning new lifestyle collection for its frontline team members in the fashion capital of the world. The exclusive fashion line is made up of dozens of male and female looks, of which 15 were revealed during the most prestigious fashion week of the year. The luxury Riyadh Air concepts unveiled in Paris comprised of timeless cashmere outerwear, dresses and trousers made of fine wools, custom leather footwear, amethyst earrings, and iconic pillbox hats, all of which are inspired by 1950s airline fashion, widely considered as the ‘golden age’ in aviation, but with bold, modern styling for a future-forward brand. The reveal evening was attended by distinguished guests from near and far which included senior stakeholders, diplomats and celebrities that all attended to be a part of the historic moment in Paris. Riyadh Air and Lucid, maker of the world’s most advanced electric vehicles, also took the opportunity during Haute Couture Week in Paris to reaffirm their shared commitment to sustainable transport and eco-friendly practices. Lucid and Riyadh Air have an innovative partnership with a shared vision for the future of sustainable transportation exploring the collaboration across co-marketing, commercial, and operational streams for guests. For the new fashion line, Ashi has cultivated completely new color tones for the looks, including the chic and elegant Electric Amethyst for womenswear, and Dark Amethyst for menswear, of which the full collection is scheduled for launch early next year. The unique amethyst shades pay homage to …

Riyadh Air  signed a strategic cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with EGYPTAIR to offer guests of both airlines a wide range of exclusive benefits when traveling between Saudi Arabia, Egypt and other key destinations, at the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Annual General Meeting (AGM) on June 4, 2024, in Dubai. This strategic partnership further strengthens ties between the two nations and their respective markets, while unlocking new travel options for airline guests. Together, Riyadh Air and EGYPTAIR aim to develop a partnership that allows guests a greater choice when traveling between Riyadh and Cairo, while also offering connectivity to a range of other domestic and international destinations across the Middle East and Africa. Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air: “The signing of this Strategic Cooperation MoU with EGYPTAIR is an exciting achievement for Riyadh Air and brings many positive benefits for our guests. As a close neighboring country to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Egypt is a market where we anticipate significant traffic both to and from Riyadh and Cairo, so it’s critically important that we work closely together to further drive demand. “The partnership will offer our guests much more choice between Riyadh and Cairo plus a wider range of destinations. There will be benefits between both airline’s loyalty programs and numerous other advantages and rewards that we look forward to sharing with our guests.” Eng. Yehia Zakaria, EGYPTAIR Group Chairman: This cooperation marks a new chapter in EGYPTAIR’s partnership as we embark on a collaboration with Riyadh Air. This exciting development signifies our commitment to expand our network and offering our passengers unique travel experiences. I am confident that this partnership with Riyadh Air will not only …

Riyadh Air signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with China Eastern Airlines at the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Dubai. This strategic partnership strengthens the growing economic and cultural ties between China and Saudi Arabia while unlocking new travel options for underserved markets. China Eastern Airlines recently launched direct flights from Shanghai to Riyadh, demonstrating a shared commitment to enhancing connectivity and fostering collaboration in areas like trade, tourism, and culture. Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air: “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: “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 …

Riyadh Air and Singapore Airlines (SIA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a new partnership between the two airlines. Under the MoU, the carriers will explore opportunities for interline connectivity on each other’s services, subject to regulatory approval. They will also work on other potential areas of commercial cooperation, including codeshare arrangements, reciprocal benefits for their frequent flyer programme members, cargo services, customer experience, and digital innovation as a precursor to a deeper, long-term, strategic partnership. The agreement was inked by Riyadh Air Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr Tony Douglas and Singapore Airlines CEO Mr Goh Choon Phong on the sidelines of the 80th International Air Transport Association (IATA) Annual General Meeting and World Air Transport Summit in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, on 2 June 2024. These will potentially offer Riyadh Air’s guests access to SIA’s network in South East Asia and the South West Pacific region, and SIA’s customers greater access to the Middle East region through Riyadh Air’s network. Riyadh Air is a new airline based in Saudi Arabia, and it is expected to commence commercial operations in 2025, offering customers travel options to and from the Middle East. Mr Tony Douglas, Chief Executive Officer, Riyadh Air, said: “Our strategic partnership with Singapore Airlines unlocks significant benefits for our future guests as it grows our network in partnership with the World’s Best Airline. We see huge potential for strong connectivity in South East 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 …

Riyadh Air and Saudi Tourism Authority (STA), have signed a significant memorandum of understanding (MoU) at Dubai’s Arabian Travel Market, that will enhance the travel experience for passengers to and from Saudi Arabia. Riyadh Air aims to fly to over 100 countries by 2030, and through this partnership, both entities will collaborate on various initiatives to enhance the level of service for tourists. STA CEO Fhad Hamidaddin said: “Increasing Saudi’s connectivity with the world is a key pillar of our tourism strategy and will ensure we sustain our rapid growth and meet our new ambitious target of 150 million visits by 2030. This exciting new partnership with Riyadh Air will support our goals and ensure more visitors can travel to experience the cool mountains, pristine waters and dynamic cities that make Saudi a great year-round destination.” “We are currently connected to over 180 destinations and are aiming to triple annual passenger traffic to 330 million by 2030 and this new agreement will help turbocharge these efforts.” Commenting on the partnership, Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas added: “This is another momentous day in the history of Riyadh Air. Working alongside the STA to elevate the travel experience for our guests and those coming to visit the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia signifies what we’re all about. We are elevating standards across the board in aviation to previously unseen levels. We have a shared commitment to travel and tourism in the Kingdom along with our forward-thinking approach to innovation, sustainability, and the satisfaction of our guests.”

Riyadh Air has taken another significant step on its road to its first flight in 2025 with the first intake of 27 pioneering females who commenced their 30-month diploma course on their path to become certified aircraft engineering technicians. In a groundbreaking move and a first for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, female engineers will study under the supervision and guidance of Aviation Australia and the International Aviation Technical College at Riyadh Airport, this follows an MOU signed between Riyadh Air and the Colleges of Excellence in August 2023 and is the first collaboration of many between the organizations. These budding engineers are all Saudi high-school graduates with impressive GPAs and were chosen from thousands of applicants who wished to be part of the Riyadh Air story as it moves towards future operations. The airline is strongly committed to inclusiveness and in a positive sign of the ongoing role of women in the airline, Riyadh Air has specifically chosen females for its entire first intake of trainee engineers to be placed on the apprenticeship program. Senior leaders from Riyadh Air including Tony Douglas, CEO, H.E. Mark Donovan, Australian Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Engineer Ajman Abdullah, CEO of Colleges of Excellence met with the trainee engineers during a visit to the facility at Riyadh Airport. Female aircraft maintenance engineers and technicians currently account for only 3.0% (*ICAO Statistics) of the worldwide workforce. With a shortfall of qualified maintenance workers expected in the coming years, Riyadh Air is harnessing an expanding talent pool of Saudi females who are keen to enter non-traditional roles in the industry. Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air said, “Riyadh Air is an airline …

Riyadh Air and Artefact signed a strategic partnership aimed at revolutionising the aviation industry through AI applications. Utilising cutting edge cloud and AI technologies, the partnership will focus on building Riyadh Air’s data analytics platform and developing AI solutions across its main business and corporate functions. Through these AI solutions, Riyadh Air will be able to hyper-personalise its guest experience and elevate its guest service through intelligent channels, optimise its flight and ground operations through real-time data insights and predictions, and launch fit-for-purpose offerings of Air and non-Air products through highly efficient and targeted sales channels. Abe Dev, Vice President Digital & Innovation at Riyadh Air, added, “Our partnership with Artefact signifies Riyadh Air’s dedication to leveraging cutting edge technologies to enhance guest experiences at every stage and every moment of their journey. This partnership with Artefact builds upon our recent collaborations with leaders in the aviation industry. Through AI integration, we aim to redefine travel standards, offering personalised, seamless digital-first experience to our guests ahead of our maiden flight in 2025.” Commenting on the partnership, Rahul Arya, CEO and Managing Partner of Artefact MENA, said: “Our partnership with Riyadh Air marks a significant milestone in our commitment to pioneering AI solutions tailored to the unique needs of the aviation industry. By combining Riyadh Air’s forward-thinking approach with Artefact’s expertise in data and AI solutions, we’re poised to set new standards for innovation in the airline sector.” Riyadh Air, set to make its maiden flight in 2025, is poised to revolutionise the future of air travel and exceed guests’ expectations of their travel experience. With an unwavering dedication to cutting-edge thinking and innovation, Riyadh Air aims to set new standards …

Riyadh Air announced it has joined the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative that promotes responsible business practices and the advancement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In a letter to António Guterres UN Secretary General, Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas officially committed Riyadh Air to implementing the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact. As active participants of the UNGC, Riyadh Air will adopt sustainable and socially responsible policies in areas such as human rights, labor, environment, and anti-corruption and report on progress on these efforts regularly. As part of its aim to support the advancement of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) working alongside partners and stakeholders to drive progress towards these goals by 2030. Riyadh Air will also publish its first Sustainability Report in advance of its maiden in mid-2025. Tony Douglas CEO Riyadh Air said, At Riyadh Air, we are conscious of our environmental impact and committed to actively contributing to the Kingdom’s sustainability goals, adopting world-class practices and leading our industry in integrating ESG into every area of our business. Our modern Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft and GeNX 1B engine are widely acknowledged for their improved environmental impact considerations, and more broadly ESG strategies are front and center to every aspect of how Riyadh Air operates. We pledge to take no shortcuts and sustainability will run throughout the airline, from flight and ground operations to the office culture, to transportation and even to Riyadh Air employees at home. As a start-up airline this a golden opportunity to do the right thing in the right way, from Day 1 continued Douglas. Launched in July 2000 the UNGC is a voluntary UN agreement …

IBM announced their collaboration with Riyadh Air, the digital-native airline currently scheduled to commence operations in early 2025, to revolutionize the airline’s travel experiences. The airline plans to introduce next-generation, channel-fluid guest and traveler interactions, tapping into IBM Consulting’s open ecosystem of business partners and deep industry expertise spanning strategy, experience design, technology and operations. Today, IBM hosted a signing ceremony, announcing the collaboration at the 3rd edition of LEAP 2024, the international technology conference held annually in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; in the presence of Tony Douglas (Chief Executive Officer, Riyadh Air) and Arvind Krishna (Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, IBM) and executive management from both entities. “We’re on a mission to shape the future of air travel at Riyadh Air,” said Tony Douglas, CEO at Riyadh Air. “By teaming up with IBM, we’re pushing the boundaries of innovation to create a transformed passenger experience that is more seamless, personalized and sustainable. From AI-powered check-in systems to immersive in-flight entertainment, we’re leveraging the latest technologies to make air travel more enjoyable and accessible for everyone.” Committed to delivering unique, intelligent and hyper-personalized guest journeys, Riyadh Air will harness IBM Consulting’s expertise across generative AI, experience orchestration, marketing and customer engagement platforms, mobile, web and in-flight applications. All of these capabilities will be accelerated through the proven, collaborative engagement model of IBM Garage, to help craft guest experiences that are culturally enriching across the travel journey, on ground or in the air. “We’re excited to extend our collaboration with Riyadh Air, working together to revolutionize the way people experience travel,” said Arvind Krishna, Chairman and CEO at IBM. “We will combine user-friendly design, cutting-edge technology, and a shared commitment …