Riyadh Air on Tuesday signed an agreement with US-based Delta Air Lines, a significant partnership for the Saudi start-up before it begins operations next year.
As part of the agreement, the Saudi airline will be Delta's exclusive partner in Riyadh and beyond.
The airlines also said the partnership would include a non-stop service on Delta between the US and King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. No US airline currently offers non-stop flights to Saudi Arabia.
Saudia operates non-stop flights to Saudi Arabia from Los Angeles, Washington's Dulles Airport and New York.
“This partnership with Riyadh Air will further Delta’s mission of connecting the world and open an array of new choices, benefits and destinations for our customers travelling to and from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” said Delta chief executive Ed Bastian.
Delta will also be Riyadh Air's exclusive partner in the US, offering hundreds of destinations in the US for Riyadh Air customers.
“Riyadh Air and Delta Air Lines share common goals and pursue the highest standards in many areas including guest experience, loyalty and sustainability, built upon great networks and strong connectivity,” Riyadh Air chief executive Tony Douglas said.
The partnership will also allow them to collaborate on flight times and routes, and allow the airlines to sell tickets on each other's flights. It will also allow for other services, such as maintenance, repairs, ground handling and training, they said in a statement.
The airlines said they would explore plans to further expand their partnership and allow collaboration on network planning in the region.
Riyadh Air's agreement with Delta comes as Saudi Arabia aims to greatly expand its tourism industry, backed by billions of dollars to diversify its economy through the Vision 2030 project.
The airline is due to launch its maiden flight in 2025 and hopes to fly to more than 100 destinations worldwide by 2030.
The preliminary agreement, signed at Delta's headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, is subject to regulatory approval.
Company%20Profile
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Roll of honour: Who won what in 2018/19?
West Asia Premiership: Winners – Bahrain; Runners-up – Dubai Exiles
UAE Premiership: Winners – Abu Dhabi Harlequins; Runners-up – Jebel Ali Dragons
Dubai Rugby Sevens: Winners – Dubai Hurricanes; Runners-up – Abu Dhabi Harlequins
UAE Conference: Winners – Dubai Tigers; Runners-up – Al Ain Amblers
The President's Cake
Director: Hasan Hadi
Starring: Baneen Ahmad Nayyef, Waheed Thabet Khreibat, Sajad Mohamad Qasem
Rating: 4/5
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Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
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Mobile phone packages comparison
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
if you go
The flights
Air Astana flies direct from Dubai to Almaty from Dh2,440 per person return, and to Astana (via Almaty) from Dh2,930 return, both including taxes.
The hotels
Rooms at the Ritz-Carlton Almaty cost from Dh1,944 per night including taxes; and in Astana the new Ritz-Carlton Astana (www.marriott) costs from Dh1,325; alternatively, the new St Regis Astana costs from Dh1,458 per night including taxes.
When to visit
March-May and September-November
Visas
Citizens of many countries, including the UAE do not need a visa to enter Kazakhstan for up to 30 days. Contact the nearest Kazakhstan embassy or consulate.
