Virgin Atlantic and Riyadh Air have signed a Strategic Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding intending to incorporate a series of benefits for customers traveling between London, Saudi Arabia, and destinations beyond.
The agreement was signed at Riyadh’s headquarters in Riyadh, this is the first phase of the strategic partnership that will allow both airlines to boost connectivity, expand their networks, and optimize customer service. The accord sets the foundations for a long-term relationship subject to regulatory approval, including interline and codeshare connections, as well as possible deeper partnerships that could include loyalty benefits.
The partnership will allow flights to new destinations in Saudi Arabia and beyond for Virgin Atlantic customers, including its new route between London-Heathrow and Riyadh with the option to connect to other destinations such as Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Mainland China.
“Following the announcement of our new services from London to Riyadh, we are committed to working with the best partners in the region to ensure our first route to Saudi Arabia offers choice to our customers. We look forward to working closely with Riyadh Air on their journey across the skies,” said Shai Weiss, CEO of Virgin Atlantic.
“Our partnership with Virgin Atlantic will help us collectively provide additional connectivity to the Kingdom. Riyadh Air has signed agreements with several strong global partners around the world, most recently with Delta Air Lines, and Virgin Atlantic’s network will support our growth to and from Saudi Arabia when we enter service in summer 2025,” said Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air.
