PIF-owned Riyadh Air, Singapore Airlines form commercial partnership to explore interline connectivity
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s newest airline Riyadh Air and Singapore Airlines have signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a new partnership between the carriers.
The agreement was inked by Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas and Singapore Airlines CEO Goh Choon Phong on the sidelines of the 80th International Air Transport Association Annual General Meeting and World Air Transport Summit in Dubai, according to a press release.
Under the MoU, the Public Investment Fund-owned carrier will work with Singapore Airlines to explore opportunities for interline connectivity on each other’s services.
“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,” said Douglas.
Two parties will also be working on other potential areas of commercial cooperation. This will include codeshare arrangements, reciprocal benefits for their frequent flyer program members, and cargo services, as well as customer experience, and digital innovation.
Riyadh Air, scheduled to launch commercial operations in 2025, will see its passengers gain access to Singapore Airlines’ network spanning Southeast Asia and the South Pacific, opening up a wealth of new travel destinations for its customer base.
He added: “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.”
The CEO emphasized that this relationship is significant, highlighting a wide-ranging codeshare agreement that is expected to cover various areas such as digital and technology, loyalty, and cargo.
Conversely, Singapore Airlines’ customers will have more options for travel to the Middle East through Riyadh Air’s network, stimulating passenger traffic between the Kingdom and Singapore.
Goh Choon Phong, CEO of Singapore Airlines, stated: “This win-win strategic partnership with Riyadh Air will enable us to offer even more options, enhanced connectivity, and greater benefits to our customers.”
He added: “Together, we can facilitate the growth of passenger travel between Saudi Arabia and Singapore, and beyond, via our respective networks, supporting both tourism and business links.”
Phong noted that the MoU will enhance customer experience and cargo services and harness digital tools and solutions, potentially bringing greater benefits to both airlines in the future.
Saudi Arabia’s new carrier is set to unveil its special cabin crew uniform at the upcoming Paris Fashion Week. CEO Douglas shared this news in an interview with Arab News on the sidelines of the Future Aviation Forum, which occurred earlier in May.
With Riyadh Air scheduled to launch in the summer of next year, Douglas highlighted the airline’s upcoming milestone in Paris from June 18-23.