Aviation Riyadh Air and Delta strike pact to expand network By Pramod Kumar July 10, 2024, 4:28 AM Riyadh Air Riyadh Air and Delta Air Lines are planning a non-stop service on Delta between the US and King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier, has struck an agreement with US carrier Delta Air Lines before its planned launch next year. The partnership will open new destinations in the kingdom and beyond for Delta flyers, including a future nonstop service on Delta between the US and King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. The agreement, subject to regulatory approvals, will include interline and codeshare connectivity, digital transformation, and cooperation on aviation services such as maintenance, repair and overhaul services, ground handling and training. NewsletterGet the Best of AGBI delivered straight to your inbox every week Tourism is pivotal to the kingdom’s long-term economic growth plan, with an investment of $800 billion planned in the sector. State-backed entities are building luxury resorts on the Red Sea, historical sites in Diriyah and AlUla are opening, and Riyadh will host the 2030 World Expo. Middle East airlines in race to recruit as pilot shortage bites Riyadh Air not buying from China’s Comac ‘for now’ Is Saudi Arabia’s aviation strategy cleared for landing? In May, the airline said it would announce a fleet of narrowbody jets later this year for a first-phase expansion that will eventually include a new terminal to meet Saudi tourism ambitions. Riyadh Air had ordered 72 widebody Boeing Dreamliner 787s and was making sure they were delivered on time for the start of operations in mid-2025 with no delays, chief commercial officer Vincent Coste told AGBI.
