- In a groundbreaking Saudi-led achievement, both airlines to deliver the industry’s first seamless connection between an Offer-Order airline and a Passenger Service System (PSS) carrier.
- Riyadh Air places its ‘RX’ code on Saudia-operated flights to six major Saudi destinations.
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Riyadh Air (RX), a wholly-owned PIF company, and Saudia (SV) announces the implementation of the first phase of a landmark Strategic Cooperation Agreement. Grounded in a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in November 2023, this strategic activation represents a collaborative milestone to support the Kingdom’s National Aviation Strategy and deliver unprecedented choice to global and domestic travelers.
Riyadh Air, the world’s only airline operating a true Offer-Order platform, has established a connection with Saudia’s Passenger Service System (PSS), enabling the two carriers to implement the codeshare across their respective technology environments. The integration supports the first phase of the partnership and the expanded connectivity it will provide to guests.
Enhancing the Kingdom’s Connectivity: The RX-SV Codeshare
Riyadh Air will place its “RX” designator code on choose Saudia-operated flights between Riyadh Air’s King Khalid International Airport (RUH) hub and six key domestic points: Abha (ABH), Al Qassim (ELQ), Dammam (DMM), Jeddah (JED), Medina (MED) and Tabuk (TUU).
This partnership opens up multiple additional worldwide travel options for Riyadh Air guests, with more to come as its network continues to grow. For instance, a traveler based in Dammam can use the codeshare to fly via Riyadh to Madrid on a single ticket. Similarly, an international passenger originating from Kuala Lumpur can seamlessly connect through Riyadh onwards to Medina.
By placing its RX code on Saudia’s frequent daily flights between Riyadh and the six destinations covered by the codeshare, Riyadh Air will be able to ensure that its guests have the most convenient possible connecting option tailored to the arrival or departure time of their Riyadh Air flight at RUH. With both carriers operating under one roof in the KKIA Terminal 1-4 complex, connecting guests will experience swift, single-ticket transits with luggage checked through to their final destination.
Vincent Coste,Chief Commercial Officer of 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.”
Arved von zur Muehlen, Chief Commercial Officer of Saudia, added: “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. 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.”
Riyadh Air’s Business Class guests traveling on connecting codeshare services operated by Saudia will be invited to Saudia’s lounges at their point of departure in the Kingdom and while transferring to domestic services operated by Saudia from Riyadh KKIA Terminal 4. They will also be able to use fast-track security and priority boarding for Saudia operated flights wherever this is offered.
RX-SV Strategic Partnership: More to come soon
Riyadh Air and Saudia are working actively on enhancing and broadening their partnership for the benefit of their guests both in the KSA and worldwide.
In the coming months, the two airlines plan to introduce reciprocal accrual and redemption opportunities for their Sfeer and Alfursan loyalty program members along with a lounge access agreement for eligible guests at key airport locations within the KSA and worldwide.
As Riyadh Air continues to expand its network, Saudia also intends to add its “SV” designator code on Riyadh Air-operated services to destinations that offer additional connectivity and schedule option choices for Saudia’s guests.
An airline industry first in codeshare integration
The Riyadh Air – Saudia partnership is a truly groundbreaking moment for the airline industry. The codeshare brings together Riyadh Air’s Offer-Order platform and Saudia’s Passenger Service System through technology developed to enable connectivity between the two environments. The integration follows extensive development and testing between Riyadh Air, Saudia and their respective technology partners.
This is the culmination of three years of intensive development and testing activity between Riyadh Air, Saudia and their technology providers, FLYR, INK and Amadeus.
With Partnership MOUs in place between Riyadh Air and almost fifteen other airlines worldwide, this unique technology will play a critical role in enabling and activating Riyadh Air’s codeshare and interline partnerships with other carriers.
