Arab News, Wed, May 08, 2024 | Shawwal 29, 1445
Riyadh Air, STA ink deal to launch new routes and destinations
Saudi Arabia:
Saudi Arabia’s second flag carrier Riyadh Air will soon announce more routes and
destinations thanks to a new agreement with the Kingdom’s official tourism
body.
The airline, backed by the country’s Public
Investment Fund, inked the memorandum of understanding with the Saudi Tourism
Authority, at Dubai’s Arabian Travel Market.
According to a statement, Riyadh Air and STA will
seek joint sponsorships and will collaborate at global trade shows and events.
The two parties will also work together to offer
joint loyalty program schemes with exclusive offers and rewards to benefit
guests.
“Increasing Saudi’s connectivity with the world is
a key pillar of our tourism strategy and will ensure we sustain our rapid growth
and meet our new ambitious target of 150 million visits by 2030,” STA CEO Fahd
Hamidaddin said.
“This exciting new partnership with Riyadh Air
will support our goals and ensure more visitors can travel to experience the
cool mountains, pristine waters and dynamic cities that make Saudi a great
year-round destination,” Hamidaddin added.
He added that the firm is currently connected to
over 180 destinations and is aiming to triple annual passenger traffic to 330
million by 2030. The CEO also shed light on how as well this new agreement will
help propel these efforts.
The new deal will also make airline booking
processes simpler due to collaboration on payment solutions.
Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas added: “This is
another momentous day in the history of Riyadh Air.”
He added: “Working alongside the STA to elevate
the travel experience for our guests and those coming to visit the Kingdom of
Saudi Arabia signifies what we’re all about.”
He also highlighted that the carrier is working on
elevating aviation standards to previously unseen levels.
“We have a shared commitment to travel and tourism
in the Kingdom along with our forward-thinking approach to innovation,
sustainability, and the satisfaction of our guests,” the CEO concluded.
Earlier this week, Douglas said that the airline
has plans to bolster its aircraft lineup through additional orders, as it
requires “a very large fleet” to establish itself alongside regional giants.
This move came as the Kingdom’s second flag
carrier ordered 39 Boeing 787-9 jets last year, with options for 33 more.
It also aligns well with Saudi Arabia’s goal to
expand its aviation industry and attract more tourists, broadening its airline
capacity beyond pilgrimage travel, which currently forms the backbone of the
country’s inbound tourism.