Delta Air, Riyadh Air unveil strategic partnership [Video]

Riyadh Air has partnered with U.S. carrier Delta Air Lines as the Saudi startup carrier grows its potential network ahead of launching commercial operations next year, the airlines said on Tuesday.

Riyadh Air, owned by Saudi sovereign wealth fund PIF, will be a second national airline, based in the capital Riyadh, alongside existing flag carrier Saudia, based in Jeddah.

Under the agreement, Atlanta-based Delta will serve as Riyadh Air’s exclusive partner in North America, offering its customers access to hundreds of U.S. destinations.

For Delta’s customers, the partnership will open new destinations in Saudi Arabia, the airlines said. The U.S. carrier also plans to launch future nonstop service to Riyadh.

Currently, no U.S. airline files to Saudi Arabia.

Delta’s first partnership with a Gulf carrier marks a shift from the last decade when the Atlanta-based airline along with United and American Airlines lobbied to curb competition from Gulf state carriers.

In 2022, however, United unveiled a codeshare agreement with Dubai’s Emirates. American Airlines has a similar arrangement with …