Arab News, Wed, Nov 15, 2023 | 1 Jumada, 1445
AH
Saudia and Riyadh Air sign deal to link loyalty schemes and seat booking options
RIYADH:
Passengers using Saudia and Riyadh Air will benefit from shared loyalty
points and synced-up booking arrangements thanks to a new agreement by the
Kingdom’s airlines.
A Memorandum of Understanding reached by the firms includes the provision to
sell seats on each others flights as part of a new deal to unify their
efforts to boost the aviation sector.
The MoU, the first of its kind between the two companies, also encompasses a
detailed interline and codeshare framework, enabling seamless passenger
connections across sectors serviced by the carriers.
The agreement also extends to loyalty programs, with members from both
airlines set to enjoy the ability to earn and redeem points or credits when
utilizing the codeshare services.
“We’re delighted to be working alongside Riyadh Air and look forward to
seeing another Saudi carrier supporting the national aviation strategy and
Kingdom’s objectives in tourism,” Saudia CEO Ibrahim Koshy said.
“This is a historic moment in where we join forces to serve guests traveling
from and to the Kingdom. Saudia and Riyadh Air will positively disrupt the
industry as a whole and so we are proud to sign this MoU that signifies our
partnership intent,” Koshy added.
Furthermore, the agreement signifies a pivotal moment for the national
companies, aiming to enhance cooperation and joint action in pursuit of the
Kingdom’s aspirations on various fronts, particularly in aviation, according
to the press note.
Under the agreement, Saudi Airlines and Riyadh Air will offer their guests a
diverse range of services and the convenience of codeshare flights and
tracking options.
This strategic move is set to enhance the travel experience across the
sectors managed by each carrier, fostering an environment of distinctive
service quality.
“The MoU signing of this strategic collaboration shows a solid statement of
intent from both airlines. Riyadh Air and Saudia will play a significant
part in the growth of travel tourism within the Kingdom and so having the
national carriers working side-by-side is the best way to accelerate and
manage this growth,” Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas said.
“We are confident that Riyadh Air will raise the bar in air travel and
working in cooperation with Saudia will help us achieve this as we prepare
for takeoff in 2025,” Douglas added.
The MoU promises to lay the groundwork for future bilateral initiatives and
agreements, extending beyond flight operations to encompass a suite of
benefits for travelers within and outside the region.
A broader loyalty framework is also anticipated, providing further
elite-level benefits across the airline’s extensive global networks.