Riyadh Air launches codeshare flights with Saudia

Riyadh Air and Saudia are implementing the first phase of their Strategic Cooperation Agreement with codeshare flights between Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport and six domestic destinations: Abha, Al Qassim, Damman, Jeddah, Medina, and Tabuk.

On the six domestic routes to/from Riyadh, Riyadh Air will place its RX flight code on the Saudia-operated flights enabling single-ticket bookings and check-in for travel between Riyadh Air’s international network and cities within Saudi Arabia. Business Class guests of Riyadh Air traveling on the Saudia-operated domestic flights will be able to access Saudia’s lounges at their departure point, use fast-track security and priority boarding when available.

Based on the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the two Saudi Arabia-based airlines in November 2023, the codeshare flights are made possible though a connection between Riyadh Air’s Offer-Order platform and Saudia’s Passenger Service System (PSS).

Riyadh Air’s Offer-Order platform enables and activates its codeshare and interline partnerships with nearly 15 global airlines.

Vincent Conste, Chief Commercial Officer, Riyadh Air said: "Integrating different technology environments is a fundamental principle of our digital native model and this first major step in our collaboration with Saudia is a significant industry milestone. By combining our strengths, we are fundamentally redefining the travel experience within Saudi Arabia and those connecting to it."

"This milestone reflects the strong collaboration between Saudia and Riyadh Air and our shared commitment to supporting the continued growth of Saudi Arabia’s aviation,” added Arved von zur Muehlen, Saudia’s Chief Commercial Officer. “The codeshare will give guests greater choice and connectivity across the Kingdom, while creating new opportunities to connect domestic and international journeys. As the partnership develops, we look forward to expanding these benefits further for guests of both airlines.”

According to Riyadh Air, both airlines are working to introduce reciprocal points accrual and redemption for their Sfeer and Alfursan programs, and a lounge access agreement for eligible guests at key airports in Saudi Arabia and around the world.