Saudi Arabia start-up carrier Riyadh Air has partnered with Singapore
Airlines in an agreement that is expected to lead to code shares and
frequent flyer programmes down the track.
“We see huge potential for strong connectivity in Southeast Asia and
both Australia and New Zealand through the award-winning hub at
Singapore Changi Airport, while also providing opportunities for
westbound passengers to connect across the kingdom of Saudi Arabia and
the Middle East region on Riyadh Air,” said Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas,
the former boss of Etihad Airways.
The Saudi sovereign wealth fund-owned carrier has also announced
partnerships with Air China and China Eastern Airlines as it seeks to
build a network in Asia.
Riyadh Air has yet to announce its 2025 launch date for commercial
operations but with a confirmed order for 39 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners,
and another 33 unconfirmed orders, the airline’s bosses are now working
on the destinations where they can best employ the aircraft.
Douglas told Reuters that Riyadh Air is seeking codeshare partners
among several significant carriers around the world to meet its ambition
of expanding to 100 destinations by 2030.