Riyadh: Riyadh Air, the Kingdom's new national carrier and one of the Public Investment Fund (PIF) companies, and Saudia announced the launch of the first phase of their strategic cooperation agreement in the aviation sector.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the first phase of the partnership involves Riyadh Air establishing a connection to Saudia's passenger service system. This development enables the two carriers to implement a codeshare agreement across their respective technology environments, providing their guests with broader and more integrated connectivity options.
Under the new partnership, Riyadh Air will add its 'RX' code to several flights operated by Saudia from its hub at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh to six key domestic destinations: Abha, Qassim, Dammam, Jeddah, Madinah, and Tabuk. This arrangement is set to enhance travel and air connectivity options between different regions of the Kingdom, thereby expanding the carriers' networks through the codeshare agreement.
The placement of the 'RX' code on Saudia's daily flights between Riyadh and the six domestic destinations will also align connecting options with Riyadh Air's arrival and departure schedules at King Khalid International Airport. This will provide guests with more convenient and flexible connections.
Both carriers operate from Terminals one through four at the airport, offering guests on connecting flights a seamless travel experience. This is achieved with flights booked under a single ticket and baggage checked through directly to their final destinations.
Riyadh Air Chief Commercial Officer Vincent Coste stated that integrating different technology environments has been a fundamental principle of Riyadh Air's digital model since its inception. He emphasized that this cooperation with Saudia marks a significant milestone for the aviation sector, redefining the travel experience within the Kingdom and for travelers arriving in it.
Chief Commercial Officer at Saudia, Arved von zur Muehlen, highlighted that this step reflects the close cooperation between Saudia and Riyadh Air and their shared commitment to supporting the continued growth of the Kingdom's aviation sector. He noted that the codeshare agreement would provide guests with broader options and better air connectivity within the Kingdom, while also creating new opportunities to connect domestic and international flights.
This move marks the beginning of a new phase of strategic partnership between Riyadh Air and Saudia, as the two carriers aim to strengthen and expand their cooperation to better serve their guests in the Kingdom and around the world.
