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Riyadh Air and Air France-KLM Sign Strategic Partnership at IATA 2025

DELHI – Riyadh Air, the new national airline of Saudi Arabia, has signed a strategic partnership agreement with Air France-KLM to enhance international travel routes and guest experience. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed during the 2025 IATA Annual General Meeting, marks a significant step in strengthening travel links between Europe and the Middle East.

Key Highlights of the Partnership

  • Direct routes connecting Riyadh (RUH), Paris (CDG), and Amsterdam (AMS)
  • Codeshare agreements to simplify bookings and improve connectivity
  • Expansion into North America, South America, Asia, and broader Middle East regions
  • Reciprocal loyalty programs and enhanced passenger services
  • Joint focus on sustainability, cargo, MRO, and digital innovation

Strategic Partnership Between Riyadh Air and Air France-KLM

This new partnership combines the strengths of Riyadh Air’s strategic hub at King Khalid International Airport (RUH) with the established European networks of Air France and KLM at Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS). The alliance is designed to meet the growing demand for travel between Saudi Arabia and Western Europe, while paving the way for future expansion across global markets.

The recent launch of Air France’s Paris–Riyadh route and the continuation of KLM’s Amsterdam–Riyadh service highlight the rising passenger demand and shared vision for growth between both airlines.

Seamless Travel Experience for Passengers

The partnership goes beyond just route development. Riyadh Air and Air France-KLM will offer:

  • Integrated loyalty programs, enabling passengers to earn and redeem frequent flyer miles
  • Access to shared lounges and enhanced airport transfer services
  • Improved customer service and streamlined travel processes

This collaboration aims to create a seamless and rewarding journey for global travelers.

Operational and Technological Collaboration

Beyond passenger services, the strategic partnership will also explore:

  • Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) cooperation
  • Sustainable aviation initiatives to reduce environmental impact
  • Advanced cargo logistics and digital transformation projects

These efforts align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which includes making Riyadh a global aviation hub and promoting economic diversification through world-class infrastructure.

Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air, commented: “We are dedicated to connecting Riyadh to the world, and partnering with Air France-KLM – a leader in global aviation, will accelerate bringing to life our vision to deliver exceptional experiences and the realization of our long-term vision: to redefine air travel through innovation, operational excellence, and guest-centric services. This partnership not only strengthens our international network but also reinforces confidence in our growth trajectory and our role in supporting Saudi Arabia’s broader economic diversification goals under Vision 2030.”

Benjamin Smith, CEO of Air France-KLM Group, added: “Saudi Arabia is rapidly emerging as a key market for aviation. With our three brands, Air France, KLM and Transavia now serving the country, and with this new agreement with Riyadh Air, we aim to continue increasing our footprint in the region. We look forward to combining our networks and expertise with Riyadh Air, and to offer our mutual customers more choice and convenience. This cooperation is complementary to our SkyTeam partner in the region.”

Conclusion

As Riyadh Air prepares for its commercial launch, this strategic partnership with Air France-KLM marks a major milestone in global aviation. By combining resources, expanding networks, and prioritizing customer experience, both carriers are set to redefine connectivity between the Middle East and the rest of the world.

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