Last week, Delta Air Lines announced a new partnership with Riyadh Air, offering a range of benefits for consumer travelers between North America, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and beyond. The new agreement strengthens connectivity and increases future growth opportunities for both carriers.

Through the partnership, Delta Air Lines will serve as Riyadh Air’s exclusive partner in North America, while Riyadh Air will be Delta’s exclusive partner in Riyadh and beyond.

“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 Ed Bastian, CEO, Delta Air Lines. “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 they transform the transportation economy in the Kingdom.”

The agreement will include interline and codeshare connectivity, as well as a deeper partnership centered around customer experience, digital transformation, loyalty and broader aviation services. Looking ahead, both airlines plan to explore an immunized joint venture to further expand the partnership and allow collaboration on network planning growth in the region.

Riyadh Air begins operations in 2025 and is committed to building a premier carrier for customers traveling to and from the Middle East.

“We look forward to enjoying a very warm and productive relationship with Delta Air Lines, one of the largest and most successful airlines in the world. Riyadh Air and Delta Air Lines share common goals and pursue the highest standards in many areas including guest experience, loyalty, and sustainability, built upon great networks and strong connectivity,” said Tony Douglas, CEO, Riyadh Air.

New destinations in Saudi Arabia and beyond will open to Delta customers thanks to the partnership, including future non-stop service on Delta between the United States and King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s capital city.

There are currently no U.S. airlines flying to Saudi Arabia.

“It’s fitting that Riyadh Air will begin its journey the same year that Delta launches our second century of flight,” added Bastian. “We’ll have many opportunities to learn from each other and become better airlines for our mutual customers, our employees, our investors and our communities as we fly forward together.”

What are your thoughts on this partnership? What are you most excited about? Have you traveled to Riyadh before? Tell us your thoughts. Email us at letters@globaltravelerusa.com. Please include your full name and location.