Singapore Airlines (SIA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish a new partnership with Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s newest airline.
Established early last year, the airline will be the gulf state’s second flag carrier, and is expected to be operational in 2025.
The agreement was inked between SIA CEO, Goh Choon Phong, and Riyadh Air CEO, Tony Douglas, on June 2 at the 80th International Air Transport Association (IATA) Annual General Meeting and World Air Transport Summit in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates.
Under the MOU, the carriers will explore opportunities for interline connectivity, as well as commercial cooperation, including codeshare arrangements, reciprocal benefits for frequent flyer programme members, cargo services, customer experience, and digital innovation as a precursor to a deeper, long-term, strategic partnership.
This will potentially offer Riyadh Air’s guests access to SIA’s network in Southeast Asia (SEA) and the Southwest Pacific region, and SIA’s customers greater access to the Middle East region through Riyadh Air’s network.
“Our strategic partnership with Singapore Airlines C6L 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 Southeast 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,” says Douglas.
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Goh adds: “This win-win strategic partnership with Riyadh Air will enable us to offer even more options, enhanced connectivity, and greater benefits to our customers. 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.”
As at 4.27 pm, shares in SIA are trading four cents higher or 0.591% up at $6.81.
