Delta Airlines announces strategic partnership with Riyadh Air to serve Saudi Arabia
In a recent announcement, Delta Airlines formalized a strategic partnership with Riyadh Air, a new Saudi airline that plans to launch its first flights next year. This partnership represents a significant step for the American company, which seeks to strengthen its presence in the Middle East by obtaining slots for regular flights to Saudi Arabia.
A promising partnership without precise details
While the partnership announcement is significant news, Delta Airlines has not yet revealed specific details regarding the inaugural routes or the number of flights planned between the United States and Saudi Arabia. Industry analysts expect this information to be revealed in the coming months as the two airlines refine their collaboration and finalize operational details.
A changing market context
Currently, no U.S. airline flies directly to Saudi Arabia. This partnership with Riyadh Air could therefore mark a historic first for DAL, allowing it to penetrate a market previously unexplored by American carriers. On the Saudi side, Saudia, the national airline, already operates direct flights to three major American cities: New York, Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles.
Riyadh Air: An ambitious new player
Riyadh Air, supported by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund, aims to become a major player in global aviation. With this partnership, the new company hopes to not only strengthen its international connections but also attract an increased flow of American travelers to Saudi Arabia. The partnership with Delta Airlines could thus play a crucial role in achieving these ambitious objectives.