New airline set to launch next year, backed by a prince, announces partnership with Delta – and plans for US flights

A NEW Delta partner airline will soon make flights to the Middle East more affordable.

Riyadh Air, a Saudi Arabian carrier, expects to launch in 2025 with the help of multiple collaborative partnerships, including Delta.

The “digitally led” airline, launched in March 2023, will provide a fully remote service.

“Our ambition is to launch our first flight in 2025 and place Riyadh Air at the forefront of digital technology and innovation in the aviation industry,” said Adam Boukadida, chief financial officer of Riyadh Air, in a statement. Press release.

He added that they are “adopting international best practices in sustainability and safety to deliver an exceptional travel experience to our guests, locally and internationally.”

The Public Investment Fund (PIF), Saudi Arabia’s “main investment arm”, owns the airline.

The investing company, which has expanded its travel ventures to boost the country’s tourism, is chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz.

Although the airline’s first passenger-carrying flight is still a year away, it has already formed valuable alliances with high-profile members.

Delta CEO Ed Bastian said in a declaration that the “strategic agreement” will reinforce premium offerings in North America and Saudi Arabia.

“This partnership with Riyadh Air will advance Delta’s mission to connect the world and open up a range of new options, benefits and destinations for our customers traveling to and from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” said Bastian.

“Most importantly, Riyadh Air shares Delta’s commitment to providing an elevated customer experience, which is why we look forward to building and expanding this partnership in the months and years to come.

Delta’s planned routes include future nonstop flights between the U.S. and Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport.

Along with Delta, Riyadh Air has also onboarded IBM Consulting as a lead technology collaborator.

“IBM Consulting will be our key partner, leading us towards our vision with their deep experience in managing large complex systems and integration programs, as well as their experience in the travel industry,” said Boukadida.

“We are proud to partner with Riyadh Air and help them bring to life this new era of the Kingdom’s aviation industry,” said John Granger, senior vice president at IBM Consulting.

“A technology foundation built on an open hybrid cloud and AI approach can help them achieve the flexibility and agility needed to support their goal of delivering an exceptional travel experience for their guests.”

Equally impressive is the airline’s $43.9 million deal with soccer team Atlético de Madrid.

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The agreement, signed in August 2023, will include the airline’s presence on the team’s shirts.

“We believe this partnership is a perfect fit, as both Riyadh Air and Atlético share a commitment to excellence and a passion for connecting people and cultures around the world,” said Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air.

The airline debuted its first aircraft livery at the June 2023 Paris Airshow, setting the stage to connect the country to more than 100 destinations worldwide by 2030.

“This airline made global waves when we recently launched our stunning livery, and with this partnership we are once again surprising the world as we move towards our inaugural flight in 2025,” said Douglas.

Douglas also detailed the carrier’s ambitious plans to Executive Travelerwhich include views of direct flights to Australia and New Zealand.

“In the initial phase of building our network, we are most likely to establish a ‘dense route’ to Singapore, giving people a wonderful guest experience on Riyadh Air… and the final leg (to Australia or New Zealand) in an equally incredible product and experience with Singapore Airlines.”