Riyadh Air is set to expand its network of partnerships with fellow carriers worldwide to build global ties ahead of its market debut in 2025.
Several people familiar with the matter told Bloomberg, on the condition of anonymity, that the airline, owned by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, would announce an agreement with a major Southeast Asian carrier in the coming days.
Given that Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei are countries with a majority Muslim population, the ASEAN airline, which was not named, maybe one of those countries.
Riyadh Air will also work on agreements with an Indian carrier and a US airline for long-haul flights.
It has since entered agreements with Turkish Airlines in 2023. Riyadh Air also partners with Saudia, Saudi Arabia's flag carrier.
The airline declined to comment on the matter.
Riyadh Air Aims to Start Strong
The company aimed to begin its operations in mid-2025 to attract some passengers flying with regional competitors like Emirates and Qatar Airways, beginning with Saudi Arabia's large population of 36 million.
The partnership would also give Riyadh Air instant access to the vast networks that its partners are already serving while providing feeder services to such destinations.
Riyadh Air has orders for 39 Boeing 787s, with options for an additional 33 jets to expand its short-haul services.
Meanwhile, Riyadh Air announced last week that it would work with world-renowned Saudi Arabian couture creative director Ashi to conceptualize and create the airline's cabin crew fashion line.
Ashi has worked on dressing some of the world's biggest celebrities, such as Beyoncé, Penelope Cruz, and Zendaya.
The new Riyadh Air uniform design concepts will be unveiled during Haute Couture Week in Paris on June 27, and the full uniform launch is scheduled for later this year.
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