By Kelly Yamanouchi, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (TNS)
Delta Air Lines has signed a partnership agreement with Riyadh Air, a Saudi Arabian airline startup that plans to start flying in 2025 as the Middle Eastern nation plans to invest hundreds of billions to diversify its economy and turn itself into a tourism hub.
Riyadh Air, a company created last year by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, signed the memorandum of understanding Tuesday for “strategic cooperation” with Atlanta-based Delta.
With the agreement, Delta plans to eventually launch nonstop flights between the United States and Riyadh.
“This partnership with Riyadh Air will further Delta’s mission of connecting the world and open an array of new choices, benefits and destinations for our customers traveling to and from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” said Delta CEO Ed Bastian in a written statement.
Delta in its announcement Tuesday said the new partnership with Riyadh Air comes as investments in Saudi Arabia are …