Members of each carrier's loyalty program will have the opportunity to earn points or credits when using codeshare services provided by the other airline. This initial step will be followed by a more extensive loyalty agreement, enabling passengers to accumulate or redeem points and access elite-level benefits across the global networks of both carriers.
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GLORiyadh Air and Saudia, the official flag carriers of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, have entered into a Strategic Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding as part of an expanding agreement that now includes codeshare flights. This marks a significant milestone in collaborative strength within the Kingdom’s aviation ecosystem. This memorandum is the first major agreement between the two airlines and is anticipated to set the foundation for future cooperation.
In addition to enhancing the overall Saudi aviation ecosystem, the agreement aims to offer a comprehensive range of benefits for both Saudi visitors and those traveling within the Kingdom. Through a comprehensive interline and codeshare agreement, passengers of both airlines will have seamless access to each other’s global networks, allowing for convenient travel between sectors operated by Saudia or Riyadh Air.
Members of each carrier’s loyalty program will have the opportunity to earn points or credits when using codeshare services provided by the other airline. This initial step will be followed by a more extensive loyalty agreement, enabling passengers to accumulate or redeem points and access elite-level benefits across the global networks of both carriers.
This strategic cooperation underscores the commitment of Saudia and Riyadh Air, as the national carriers, to collaborate in implementing broader synergies and efficiencies across various aspects of the value chain, including commercial operations, digital development, aviation support services, and cargo/logistics.
The agreement also aims to optimize routes and resources, ultimately providing passengers with a wider array of destinations and services in the long term. Saudia CEO Capt. Ibrahim Koshy expressed excitement about the collaboration, highlighting its significance for the national aviation strategy and the Kingdom’s tourism objectives. He emphasized the potential for positive industry disruption and partnership indicated by the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding.
Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the essential role both airlines will play in expanding travel tourism within the Kingdom. He sees the collaboration as a means to accelerate and manage growth, anticipating that Riyadh Air, set to launch in 2025, will elevate the standards of air travel.
Specific details about the benefits for guests booking flights on Saudia or Riyadh Air will be disclosed when Riyadh Air commences operations in 2025.
