Saudia, Delta Air Lines team up to expand global network

Saudi Arabia’s flag carrier, Saudia, said on Wednesday that it has signed a codeshare agreement with Delta Air Lines that would allow greater connectivity between the US and the Middle East.

The carriers have applied for the necessary codesharing authority and will start selling codeshare itineraries once they receive all government approvals.

Under the agreement, Saudia guests will gain access to 12 destinations in the US beyond Delta’s hubs at John F. Kennedy International Airport and Los Angeles International Airport.

Similarly, Delta customers will gain access to nine destinations in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East beyond Jeddah and Riyadh.

Saudia and Delta, both members of the SkyTeam alliance, said the agreement will expand their existing interline relationship, offering Delta customers more options for travel between North America and the Arabian Peninsula.

“Saudia’s growing Jeddah hub and extensive network bring Delta customers closer to greater access to destinations across one of the world’s most important economic regions,” said Perry Cantarutti, senior vice president Alliances at Delta.

Meanwhile, Riyadh Air partnered with Delta in July to introduce a broad range of services for customers and expand its potential global network as Saudi Arabia’s startup carrier readies to launch commercial operations next year.

The deal between Riyadh Air and Delta includes interline and codeshare connectivity, enhanced loyalty programs, improved customer experience, digital transformation initiatives, and broader aviation services such as maintenance, repair, overhaul services, ground handling, and training.

The two airlines intend to explore a joint venture that would allow them to coordinate routes and flight times and further expand the partnership in the future.

Read: Riyadh Air partners with Delta Air Lines to expand global network