Earlier this week we reported on Virgin Atlantic launching flights between London-Heathrow and Riyadh and now we have a new partnership between the UK carrier and Riyadh Air. The two carriers have signed a Strategic Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding, with the stated goal of introducing an array of benefits for customers traveling between London, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and destinations beyond.
The agreement was signed yesterday in Riyadh, marking the first stage in the strategic partnership. The agreement is similar to the on that Virgin Atlantic’s fellow SkyTeam member Delta signed with the Saudi carrier last month.
The partnership will open new destinations in Saudi Arabia and beyond for Virgin Atlantic customers, which includes its new service between London Heathrow (LHR) and King Khalid International Airport (RUH) in Riyadh. While Riyadh Air isn’t expected to begin operations until Summer 2025, Virgin Atlantic’s daily service is slated to begin on March 30th, 2025. Flights will operate to/from Riyadh on the following schedule:
London-Heathrow (LHR) – Riyadh (RUH)
VS 242 Departs: 2:45p Arrives: 11:35p
Riyadh (RUH) – London-Heathrow (LHR)
VS 243 Departs: 1:25a Arrives: 7:00a
As part of the announcement, Shai Weiss, Chief Executive Officer at Virgin Atlantic, said this about the new partnership:
“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. We’re looking forward to working closely with Riyadh Air as they embark on their journey into the skies.”
Tony Douglas, Chief Executive Officer at Riyadh Air, echoed the comments from Virgin Atlantic and also called out their recent agreement with Delta:
“Our partnership with Virgin Atlantic will help us collectively provide additional connectivity to the Kingdom. Riyadh Air has signed agreements with a number of strong global partners around the world, most recently Delta Air Lines, and Virgin Atlantic’s network will assist our growth to and from Saudi Arabia as we enter service in summer 2025.”
Leveraging Strategic Partnerships to Promote Growth
Riyadh Air has made no secret of the fact that they have big growth plans. The startup airline has plans to serve over 100 destinations around the world by 2030. The airline is a Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund company with very deep pockets backing the airline (The PIF Is also responsible for the startup golf league LIV GOLF).
WHile the airline may have seemingly limitless amounts of cash, they’re hindered by aircraft manufacturing backlogs. By leveraging these partnerships with Delta and Virgin Atlantic, Riyadh Air can seamlessly connect passengers across all three carriers. I also wouldn’t be surprised to see Riyadh Air join SkyTeam in the near future.
While information on both partnerships is still limited, it seems clear to me as to which alliance/airline partnerships Riyadh Air is pursuing. Saudi Arabian flag carrier Saudia is also a SkyTeam member and plans to vacate its hub in Riyadh to allow Riyadh Air to move in. Saudia is wholly owned by the government of Saudi Arabia and will maintain its hub at King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) in Jeddah.
Summary
Riyadh Air has signed a Strategic Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding with Virgin Atlantic. While many details of the partnership are still to-be determined, the two carriers will work together to provide connectivity throughout the Middle East and beyond. The agreement is similar to the one signed between Riyadh Air and Delta last month as the startup Saudi carrier appears to be cozying up to its friends in SkyTeam.
(Images courtesy Riyadh Air)
