Riyadh Air and Virgin Atlantic signed a strategic cooperation memorandum of understanding (MoU) on September 4, 2024.
The agreement's goal is to expand connectivity between their respective hubs in London Heathrow and Riyadh, expanding their networks. In addition, both parties aim to provide premium benefits to both airlines' customers.
Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas commented: ""Our partnership with Virgin Atlantic will help us collectively provide additional connectivity to the Kingdom.""
The MoU has laid the foundation for future codeshare agreements as well as potential ""deeper partnerships"" that could include loyalty benefits. It will also open new destinations for Virgin Atlantic customers.
""Following on from the announcement of our new services from London to Riyadh, we’re committed to working with the best partners in the region, to ensure our first route to Saudi Arabia delivers choice to our customers,"" said Virgin Atlantic CEO Shai Weiss.
Riyadh recently signed a strategic MoU with Delta Air Lines in July. The Saudi startup airline expects to launch operations from next year.