Riyadh Air and Air France-KLM Join Forces
Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier, has signed a Strategic Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Air France-KLM. This agreement represents a significant advancement in global connectivity for travellers between Riyadh, Paris, Amsterdam, and beyond.
The MoU, signed at the 2025 IATA Annual General Meeting by Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air, and Benjamin Smith, CEO of the Air France-KLM Group, establishes a strong partnership.
With regulatory approvals, this collaboration aims to gradually introduce a wide range of benefits for guests and unlock new opportunities in Western Europe, North and South America, the Middle East, Asia, and Saudi Arabia.
This strategic partnership will focus on strengthening network connectivity. Both partners will work together to maximize future opportunities through Riyadh Air’s hub in the capital of Saudi Arabia and Air France-KLM’s Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Amsterdam-Schiphol airport hubs.
The recent launch of Air France’s Paris Charles de Gaulle–Riyadh service, alongside KLM’s established Amsterdam–Riyadh operations, reflects the shared commitment to expanding guests’ travel options.
Riyadh Air and Air France-KLM will collaborate to enhance guest experience beyond route connectivity. They will explore opportunities for reciprocal loyalty program rewards, operational support, and lounge access.
The partnership includes Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO), digital transformation, sustainability, and cargo services, providing a comprehensive approach to delivering value.
Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air, said: “We are dedicated to connecting Riyadh to the world, and partnering with Air France-KLM – a leader in global aviation, will accelerate bringing to life our vision to deliver exceptional experiences and the realisation of our long-term vision: to redefine air travel through innovation, operational excellence, and guest-centric services.
“This partnership not only strengthens our international network but also reinforces confidence in our growth trajectory and our role in supporting Saudi Arabia’s broader economic diversification goals under Vision 2030.”
Benjamin Smith, CEO of Air France-KLM Group, added: “Saudi Arabia is rapidly emerging as a key market for aviation.
“With our three brands, Air France, KLM and Transavia now serving the country, and with this new agreement with Riyadh Air, we aim to continue increasing our footprint in the region.
“We look forward to combining our networks and expertise with Riyadh Air, and to offer our mutual customers more choice and convenience.
“This co-operation is complementary to our SkyTeam partner in the region.”
As Riyadh Air embarks on its journey to become a leading global carrier, this partnership with Air France-KLM underlines a bold commitment to excellence, innovation, and exceptional guest experience.
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