Uber partners with Riyadh Air ahead of new airline's launch

The agreement allows Riyadh Air to provide ground-to-air connectivity without developing its own mobility infrastructure. Passengers will be able to bundle rides with flights and potentially reduce disruptions related to trip timing. The partnership aims to support improved on-time departures through reliable estimated arrival times and coordinated curbside pick-up.

For the airline’s loyalty program, the collaboration introduces options such as ride credits and status boosts earned from using Uber services. This approach broadens the appeal of Riyadh Air’s loyalty offerings and encourages customer retention. Additionally, access to Uber’s demand and location data could enable more personalized offers for passengers.

From a commercial perspective, this partnership is expected to enhance Riyadh Air's attractiveness among high-spending leisure and corporate travelers—a key market segment for Saudi airlines seeking a premium image. Improved loyalty engagement and operational reliability are among the anticipated benefits as the airline launches operations.

The partnership represents an effort by Riyadh Air to differentiate itself from established competitors like Saudia while building a premium brand identity before commencing large-scale service. However, passengers should note that some features may differ from those offered through other airlines’ partnerships with Uber—such as Delta Air Lines—which may provide more immediately usable rewards like frequent flyer miles.