All Nippon Airways and start-up Riyadh Air will work together to expand their respective networks and improve connectivity between Japan and Saudi Arabia.
The two carriers this week signed a memorandum of understanding centering on potential new routes. The deal also opens the door to other forms of cooperation, including interline connectivity, codeshare arrangements, and loyalty program reciprocity, officials said.
The MoU envisions leveraging Riyadh Air’s hub in Riyadh and ANA’s dual hub in Tokyo to expand travel options between the two markets, and beyond. No new routes were formally announced, but could be on the way soon, the partners said.
Currently, Riyadh Air does not fly nonstop to Japan, and ANA does not serve Saudi Arabia. Saudia, Saudi Arabia’s first flag carrier, will be the only airline linking the two countries when it launches Riyadh-to-Tokyo service later this year.
“This unique agreement with ANA reflects Riyadh Air’s ambition to build meaningful global partnerships that expand choice and deliver long-term value to our guests,” Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas said in a news release. “The MoU with ANA will provide a seamless premium experience for our passengers while laying the groundwork for stronger connectivity between Riyadh and Tokyo, and supporting broader commercial, operational, and guest experience opportunities as we continue to grow our network.”
Riyadh Air began scheduled commercial service earlier this summer and now flies to over a dozen destinations, including London, Dubai, Cairo, Madrid, and Mumbai. More routes will come online in late August and September, including connections to Bangkok, Manila, and Manchester.
