Delta Air Lines Partners with Saudia for Codeshare
Delta Air Lines has taken a significant step towards expanding travel options to the Middle East by signing a new codeshare agreement with Saudia Airlines, the national carrier of Saudi Arabia. This agreement, announced recently, aims to enhance connectivity between North America and the Arabian Peninsula and is subject to regulatory approval. The new codeshare builds upon the existing interline agreement between Delta and Saudia, showcasing the growing importance of US carriers in the region.
Once all regulatory approvals are obtained, the new codeshare flights will offer Delta customers access to nine new destinations in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East, all served by Saudia through its primary hubs at King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) in Jeddah and King Khalid International Airport (RUH) in Riyadh. This expansion is set to significantly broaden travel options for passengers looking to explore this vibrant region.
Conversely, Saudia customers will benefit from access to 12 destinations in the US through Delta’s hubs at New York-JFK Airport (JFK) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). While the codeshare primarily aims to attract lucrative business travelers, leisure travelers are also being targeted, reflecting Delta’s commitment to enhancing travel choices for all passengers.
Both Delta and Saudia are members of the SkyTeam alliance, which allows for synergies beyond just the addition of flight codes. Frequent flyers from both airlines will continue to earn and redeem miles on the other carrier, enhancing the travel experience for loyal customers. Additionally, SkyTeam Elite Plus members will enjoy SkyPriority services, which include priority check-in, baggage drop-off, security clearance, and boarding. Upon arrival, travelers will benefit from expedited baggage handling, transfers, and immigration processes.
Perry Cantarutti, Senior Vice President of Alliances at Delta, stated, “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. Strengthening our partnership responds to customer demand for more travel choices between the Gulf and North America.”
Arved Von Zur Muehlen, Chief Commercial Officer at Saudia, added, “Signing this codeshare agreement with Delta Air Lines reflects Saudia’s commitment to expanding its flight network, providing seamless travel experiences, and enhancing its global connectivity. This partnership will promote the local tourism sector and allow international visitors to discover the diversity of the Kingdom’s attractions.”
This agreement is part of Saudi Arabia’s ambitious plans for aviation growth, particularly through its two main airlines, Saudia and Riyadh Air. The Kingdom aims to broaden its commercial aviation and tourism sectors through the Saudi National Tourism Strategy, known as Vision 2030, with a target of attracting over 150 million tourists by 2030.
The Delta-Saudia partnership joins a series of recent agreements between US and Middle Eastern carriers, including partnerships between American Airlines and Qatar Airways, JetBlue and Etihad, and United Airlines and Emirates. This trend signifies a strengthening of commercial and tourism relations between the US and the Middle East, fostering greater collaboration and accessibility for travelers across both regions. As Delta and Saudia prepare to launch their codeshare agreement, the aviation industry is poised for significant growth and enhanced connectivity in the coming years.
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