SAUDI ARABIA/SINGAPORE. In significant aviation news, Riyadh Air, the new Saudi Arabian airline set to commence operations next year, and Singapore Airlines have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a partnership between the carriers.
The agreement was signed by Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas and Singapore Airlines CEO Goh Choon Phong at the 80th International Air Transport Association Annual General Meeting and World Air Transport Summit in Dubai on 2 June.
Under the MoU, Riyadh Air said the carriers will explore opportunities for interline connectivity on each other’s services, subject to regulatory approval.
They will also work on other potential areas of commercial cooperation. These include codeshare arrangements, reciprocal benefits for the airlines’ frequent flyer programme members, cargo services, customer experience and digital innovation as a precursor to “a deeper, long-term, strategic partnership”.
The collaboration will potentially offer Riyadh Air’s passengers access to Singapore Airlines’ Southeast Asia network and the Southwest Pacific region. This could be reciprocated in the Middle East region through Riyadh Air’s network.
British national Douglas, who was appointed Riyadh Air CEO last year, previously served as CEO of both Etihad Aviation Group and Abu Dhabi Airports.
He said: “Our strategic partnership with Singapore Airlines unlocks significant benefits for our future guests as it grows our network in partnership with the ‘World’s Best Airline’. 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.
“This relationship is a meaningful and deep cooperation that starts with a wide-ranging codeshare agreement and is expected to include a broad range of areas including digital and technology, loyalty and cargo.”
Singapore Airlines CEO Goh Choon Phong said: “This win-win strategic partnership with Riyadh Air will enable us to offer even more options, enhanced connectivity and greater benefits to our customers. Together we can facilitate the growth of passenger travel between Saudi Arabia and Singapore, and beyond, via our respective networks, supporting both tourism and business links.
“The MoU will also allow us to find ways to work together to enhance customer experience and cargo services, and harness digital tools and solutions, potentially bringing greater benefits to both airlines in the future.”
Riyadh Air aims to connect travellers to over 100 destinations worldwide by 2030. ✈
