RIYADH- Turkish Airlines (TK) and Riyadh Air (RX) entered into a Strategic Cooperation Partnership MoU. This agreement aims to provide extensive benefits for guests traveling between the Kingdom, Türkiye, and various destinations beyond their hubs in Riyadh and Istanbul.
Additionally, it sets the stage for fostering deeper collaborations in the future. This enables customers to effortlessly connect and blend segments operated by either Riyadh Air or Turkish Airlines.
Turkish Airlines and Riyadh Air Partnership
Levent Konukcu, Chief Investment and Technology Officer of Turkish Airlines, and Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air, officially sealed the agreement at a ceremony during the ICAO Air Services Negotiation Event (ICAN 2023) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Both carriers aim to extend the benefits to guests swiftly, contingent upon regulatory approvals by relevant authorities, following the launch of Riyadh Air’s operations in mid-2025.
The strong collaboration will enable members of each airline’s loyalty program to accrue points or credits while traveling on codeshare services provided by the other.
Both airlines actively explore possibilities to establish a more comprehensive loyalty agreement encompassing their global networks.
Beyond providing a wide array of guest benefits, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) also pledges Riyadh Air and Turkish Airlines to collaborate in exploring and implementing broader synergies and efficiencies across the entire value chain.
This encompasses various areas, including aviation-related services, cargo, and digital development.
Turkish Airlines CTO Words
Levent Konukcu, Chief Investment and Technology Officer of Turkish Airlines expressed excitement about initiating a partnership with Riyadh Air, a promising newcomer in the aviation industry.
Describing the Memorandum of Understanding as more than just a collaboration, he emphasized its role as a bridge between Türkiye and Saudi Arabia, reinforcing their ties.
Konukcu highlighted the opportunity to broaden its reach, providing guests with more choices and convenience.
He believes that this partnership will enhance the customer experience and substantially contribute to both countries’ tourism and business sectors.
Riyadh Air CEO Statement
Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air, expressed the importance of the agreement, stating, “This marks a significant stride in the evolution of Riyadh Air as we join forces with the world’s largest global airline in terms of destinations served.
Our strong partnership will create seamless connectivity through Istanbul Airport, a global-leading hub, reaching around 130 destinations worldwide, particularly in Türkiye, Europe, and the Americas.
It will accelerate our network footprint by aligning with Turkish Airlines, a market-leading, guest-centric, digitally focused, and like-minded global airline brand.”
Douglas further said, “Establishing bilateral agreements with well-established network airlines holds immense significance for Riyadh Air.
This partnership brings substantial benefits, enhancing connectivity for our passengers globally and providing deeper access to Türkiye.
Anticipating a boost in tourism, religious pilgrimages, and business travel to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, we foresee increased volumes.
Turkish Airlines, being a world-class aviation brand, takes pride in being a part of the Riyadh Air story.”
Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.
Join us on Telegram Group for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on Google News.
