Riyadh Air, the newest national airline of Saudi Arabia, signed on Monday a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Air China, China’s exclusive national flag carrier at the International Air Transport Association (IATA) annual general meeting in Dubai.
According to a statement from Riyadh Air, the two airlines signed the MoU to reflect the warm relationship between Saudi Arabia and China and their developing economic and political ties.
The agreement will open significant opportunities for connectivity in both Beijing and Riyadh, two major Group of Twenty (G20) capital cities. Both airlines will work together on potential cooperation in business subjects, including interline traffic, codeshare, and more.
"Our partnership with Air China, a leading global carrier with a vast network in key Chinese markets, complements Riyadh Air’s ambitious future plans," said Riyadh Air chief executive Tony Douglas.
"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 added.
“Together, we will solidify our positions as vital links, further strengthening the economic and cultural ties between our regions and aligning with both China’s Belt and Road Initiatives and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030,” he stressed.
Air China’s chairman of the board of directors said Riyadh Air enjoys a geographic position that enables it to be a strategic gateway for Chinese travelers looking for flights to the Middle East. It can play a pivotal and prominent 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, and with a focus on expanding the route network covered by the two air carriers and enhancing prospects for cooperation. We are keen to work and coordinate jointly to achieve the desired results in the long term," he said.
Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia's innovative airline, 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, prioritizing 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).
