Air France-KLM and Riyadh Air Sign Strategic MoU
Air France-KLM and Riyadh Air have entered into a strategic partnership with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during the 81st IATA Annual General Meeting in New Delhi. The agreement, announced on June 2, 2025, aims to enhance global air connectivity by aligning the networks of both carriers and strengthening links between Riyadh, Paris, Amsterdam, and onward international destinations.
The collaboration will focus on integrating connecting flights through Riyadh Air’s hub at King Khalid International Airport and Air France-KLM’s major European hubs at Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Amsterdam-Schiphol. The partnership includes plans to develop codeshare agreements, facilitate smoother connections, and introduce mutual loyalty program recognition for a more streamlined passenger experience.
CEOs Tony Douglas of Riyadh Air and Benjamin Smith of Air France-KLM emphasized that the agreement opens new gateways across Western Europe, North and South America, the Middle East, Asia, and Saudi Arabia. Douglas highlighted the strategic value of the alliance in accelerating Riyadh Air’s efforts to link the Saudi capital with the rest of the world, while also supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 economic diversification goals.
Beyond passenger services, the agreement outlines potential cooperation in aircraft maintenance, digital transformation, sustainability initiatives, and cargo transport. The carriers will also explore enhanced customer experience initiatives, such as reciprocal airport lounge access and shared operational support.
Smith noted that Saudi Arabia is becoming a vital aviation hub, and this new partnership will allow Air France, KLM, and Transavia to expand their regional presence. The collaboration complements SkyTeam’s existing footprint in the Middle East and reflects both airlines’ ambitions to deliver wider global access and increased travel options through shared expertise and aligned operations.
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