Riyadh Air (RX) and Saudia (SV) have launched the first phase of their Strategic Cooperation Agreement, strengthening connectivity across Saudi Arabia and international markets while supporting the Kingdom’s National Aviation Strategy.
The partnership builds on a Memorandum of Understanding
signed in November 2023 and marks a significant step toward greater cooperation
between the two Saudi carriers.
As part of the initial phase, Riyadh Air has connected its
technology platform with Saudia’s Passenger Service System (PSS), enabling the
airlines to implement a codeshare across their respective systems.
Under the agreement, Riyadh Air will place its “RX”
designator on selected Saudia-operated flights linking Riyadh’s King Khalid
International Airport (RUH) with six major domestic destinations: Abha, Al
Qassim, Dammam, Jeddah, Medina and Tabuk.
The codeshare will give Riyadh Air passengers access to
additional domestic and international travel options through Riyadh.
For example, passengers travelling from Dammam will be able
to connect through Riyadh to destinations such as Madrid on a single ticket,
while international travellers from Kuala Lumpur can connect via Riyadh to
Medina.
The airlines said the arrangement will provide convenient
connections aligned with Riyadh Air flight schedules.
Both carriers operate from the King Khalid International
Airport terminal complex, allowing connecting passengers to benefit from
single-ticket journeys and through-checked baggage.
Riyadh Air Business Class passengers travelling on
connecting Saudia-operated services will also have access to Saudia lounges at
eligible departure points and during transfers in Riyadh.
Fast-track security and priority boarding will also be
available where offered.
The partnership is expected to expand further in the coming
months.
Riyadh Air and Saudia plan to introduce reciprocal earning
and redemption opportunities between their Sfeer and Alfursan loyalty programmes,
alongside a lounge access agreement covering selected airports in Saudi Arabia
and international locations.
Saudia also plans to add its “SV” designator to selected
Riyadh Air-operated services as the latter expands its network, creating
additional connectivity and schedule options for Saudia passengers.
The technology integration represents a notable development
for the airline industry, bringing Riyadh Air’s Offer-Order platform together
with Saudia’s PSS.
The system has been developed and tested over three years by
the airlines and their technology partners, including FLYR, INK and Amadeus.
The technology is expected to support Riyadh Air’s broader codeshare and interline strategy, with the airline having partnership agreements or memoranda in place with nearly 15 other airlines worldwide.
Vincent Coste,Chief Commercial Officer of Riyadh Air, said: "Integrating different technology environments is a fundamental principle of our digital native model and this first major step in our collaboration with Saudia is a significant industry milestone. By combining our strengths, we are fundamentally redefining the travel experience within Saudi Arabia and those connecting to it."
Arved von zur Muehlen, Chief Commercial Officer of Saudia, added: "This
milestone reflects the strong collaboration between Saudia and Riyadh Air and
our shared commitment to supporting the continued growth of Saudi Arabia’s
aviation. The codeshare will give guests greater choice and connectivity across
the Kingdom, while creating new opportunities to connect domestic and
international journeys. As the partnership develops, we look forward to
expanding these benefits further for guests of both airlines.” -TradeArabia News Service
