Delta Air Lines, the world’s leading premium airline, and Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s innovative new full-service global carrier, have signed a Strategic Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding. This agreement aims to introduce a broad range of benefits for customers travelling between North America, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and destinations beyond.

A Foundation for Growth

The agreement, signed at a ceremony at Delta’s World Headquarters in Atlanta, serves as the foundation for a strategic partnership. This partnership will enable both airlines to strengthen connectivity, expand their networks, and drive future growth.

“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 travelling to and from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” said Delta CEO Ed Bastian.

Shared Commitment

Riyadh Air shares Delta’s commitment to providing an elevated customer experience. “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 Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas.

A Long-Term Relationship

The agreement envisions a long-term relationship, subject to regulatory approvals, that includes interline and codeshare connectivity. It also consists of a deeper partnership encompassing loyalty, customer experience, digital transformation, and broader aviation services such as maintenance, repair and overhaul services, ground handling and training.

New Destinations

The partnership will open new destinations for Delta customers in Saudi Arabia and beyond, including future nonstop service on Delta between the U.S. and King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. It will provide leisure travellers with a new region of the world to explore while creating new opportunities for business travellers to Riyadh, a G20 capital city, plus destinations beyond.

Transforming the Kingdom

The new partnership comes as large-scale, ongoing investments in the Kingdom transform it into a popular and attractive destination for leisure and business travellers. Travel is central to the nation’s long-term economic growth plan, with an investment of $800 billion in tourism.

Looking Ahead

Riyadh Air will begin operations in 2025 and is committed to building a premier carrier for customers travelling to and from the Middle East. Its base of operations is Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia. Delta, which will mark its 100th anniversary next year, is the most-awarded U.S. airline with an industry-leading global network and an unrivalled reputation for outstanding customer service and operational excellence.

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