Riyadh Air Joins Forces With Air China To Strengthen Saudi-China Relations

Riyadh Air, the newest national airline of Saudi Arabia, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Air China, China’s exclusive national flag carrier. The agreement was formalised on June 3 at the International Air Transport Association (IATA) annual general meeting in Dubai. This MoU reflects the warm relationship between Saudi Arabia and China and their developing economic and political ties.

The agreement is expected to open significant opportunities for connectivity in both Beijing and Riyadh, two major Group of Twenty (G20) capital cities. Both airlines will collaborate on potential cooperation in business areas, including interline traffic and codeshare agreements. Riyadh Air chief executive Tony Douglas stated, "Our partnership with Air China, a leading global carrier with a vast network in key Chinese markets, complements Riyadh Air’s ambitious future plans."

Douglas added that this MoU represents a significant step towards establishing a long-term partnership that will facilitate seamless travel for passengers between China and the Middle East and beyond. He emphasised that this collaboration will solidify their positions as vital links, further strengthening economic and cultural ties between the regions. This aligns with both China’s Belt and Road Initiatives and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

Air China’s chairman of the board of directors expressed his happiness with the signing of the MoU. He noted that Riyadh Air enjoys a geographic position that enables it to be a strategic gateway for Chinese travellers looking for flights to the Middle East. He highlighted that Riyadh Air can play a pivotal role in facilitating trade and tourism, in line with the ambitious development plans and visions of both countries.

"This MoU marks the beginning of a mutually beneficial partnership between two national carriers connecting two prominent capitals globally," he said. The focus will be on expanding the route network covered by the two air carriers and enhancing prospects for cooperation. He added, "We are keen to work and coordinate jointly to achieve the desired results in the long term."

Riyadh Air celebrates its first year with ambitions to be the world's most forward-thinking carrier. By 2030, it aims to connect passengers to 100 destinations globally, prioritising sustainability and setting a new standard for travel. Playing a key role in achieving the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, Riyadh Air is working to diversify the Saudi economy, create more jobs, and contribute to the Kingdom's non-oil gross domestic product (GDP).

With inputs from SPA