Quantcast

Delta partners with new airline Riyadh Air on joint venture

Southwest's layoffs dent its worker-first culture
Abu Dhabi's long-haul carrier Etihad Airways sees record $476 million profit in 2024
Jet2 warns of profits squeeze from rising costs and late bookings
Hong Kong Airlines launches daily Sydney flights
Airline to launch new bunk beds in economy on long-haul flights next year
How Airline Employees Are Coping After Deadly Washington Crash
Major airline reverses in-flight menu change amid outcry
British Airways frequent flyer scheme changes: everything you need to know
Airline introduces world-first hand luggage ban on popular travel gadget
Air Canada Delays Boeing 767 Reentry
Flight Centre tips ‘price war’ as first direct Melbourne to LA Delta flights go on sale
FAA reverses course on meeting prohibition, blaming rogue employee
British Airways tweaks frequent flyer scheme after backlash
Delta flight from New York to Florida diverted to North Carolina due to ‘odor in the cabin’
EASA Certifies Safran’s First Electric Motor
US court blocks Biden administration's airline fee disclosure rule
JetBlue Issues Dim Outlook But Execs Remain Confident in Turnaround Plan
Delta to Resume Tel Aviv Flights April 1
Boeing CEO Ortberg outlines 2025 priorities after heavy losses
Storm Eowyn: Thousands of trains, flights and ferries cancelled as 100mph wind batters UK
Indian carrier long haul: IndiGo returns to profitability, plans long haul flights
These Frequent Fliers Are Done With Loyalty Programs
JetBlue accepting Venmo as payment method for flights purchased through mobile app
United Airlines stock rallies on results, as growing demand wasn’t just about premium seats
Delta Adds Another Alaska Route
Southwest to Reduce Pilot Head Count at Several Bases
Dublin Airport savings boost for holidaymakers – but passengers need to be quick
American Halts CRJ-200 Operations
Shanghai Airlines to Launch Casablanca Route
Delta employees to receive an average five weeks of pay in annual profit sharing
Delta partners with new airline Riyadh Air on joint venture
Research
Webp txr36ytg6uuvd13i8xrjnuempd4m
Gary Leff Chief Financial Officer | View from the Wing

Delta Air Lines and Riyadh Air, which will commence operations next year, have entered into a partnership agreement aimed at enhancing connectivity and premium travel options across North America, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and beyond. This collaboration will enable Delta to initiate services to Riyadh.

The partnership plans include interline and codeshare connectivity, frequent flyer reciprocity, customer experience improvements, digital transformation initiatives, maintenance services, ground handling, and training. The two airlines also intend to explore an anti-trust immunized joint venture for coordinated schedule planning and growth.

Riyadh Air is positioning itself as a premium carrier and brand ambassador for Saudi Arabia. The airline has ordered 39 Boeing 787-9 aircraft with options for 33 more and plans additional orders by next year. By the end of 2025, Riyadh Air aims to serve 10 international destinations and add about two per month over the next five years.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

This partnership represents a significant development for Riyadh Air as it seeks to bring travelers from the U.S. to Saudi Arabia with Delta's assistance in feeding connecting traffic to Riyadh Air's U.S. destinations.

Delta's existing relationship with Saudia through SkyTeam will see changes as Saudia shifts its focus to Jeddah while maintaining some services in Riyadh. According to Riyadh Air representatives: "They still have a relationship with Saudia, but over time Saudia will focus more on Jeddah and we’ll be the partners for Riyadh."

This move comes after Delta previously lobbied against major Gulf airlines due to government backing but now seeks benefits from partnering with a state-backed new airline launch.

The emergence of Riyadh Air is seen as part of Saudi Arabia's broader ambitions to liberalize its society and diversify its economy while retaining certain traditional governance elements.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Airbus has released its order and delivery statistics for May, revealing that the company did not secure any new orders during the month.

Jun 9, 2025

Wizz Air is set to increase its capacity by approximately 20% in the year leading up to March 2026, despite facing challenges with a portion of its fleet being grounded due to Pratt & Whitney GTF engine issues.

Jun 9, 2025

ITA Airways is reportedly planning to expand its operations by launching over a dozen new long-haul routes in the next five years.

Jun 9, 2025

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) plans to suspend airline operations at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on the evening of June 14.

Jun 9, 2025

Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, a joint venture between Hungary-based Wizz Air and Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company (ADQ), has experienced significant changes since its launch in January 2021.

Jun 9, 2025

Southwest Airlines, the fourth-largest airline in the United States, has reported a total of 4,194 daily movements for June.

Jun 9, 2025