RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Air has signed a global distribution agreement with Amadeus to expand its international footprint, connecting to more than 190 travel markets ahead of its commercial launch.
The deal links the Public Investment Fund-owned carrier to one of the world’s largest networks of travel sellers via the Amadeus Travel Platform, boosting its retail capabilities and global reach.
The partnership is expected to support the Kingdom’s National Aviation Strategy, which targets doubling passenger capacity to 330 million annually from over 250 global destinations and increasing cargo handling to 4.5 million tonnes by the end of this decade.
Announced in 2023 by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Riyadh Air is expected to contribute over $20 billion to the non-oil gross domestic product and create more than 200,000 direct and indirect jobs.
In a statement, Vincent Coste, chief commercial officer of the airline, said: “Partnering with Amadeus gives us the global reach, distribution power, and retailing capabilities needed to support our goal of flying to over 100 destinations by 2030.”
He added: “This partnership is not only about enabling seamless travel experiences, but also about contributing to the broader national vision of economic diversification, tourism growth, and enhanced global connectivity.”
The agreement includes future distribution of Riyadh Air’s New Distribution Capability content, enabling the airline to offer more dynamic and personalized products. It will give Riyadh Air greater control over its indirect sales strategy as it builds toward full operations, according to a press release.
“Amadeus brings not only global reach, but also advanced retailing, merchandising, and data-driven tools that will help Riyadh Air differentiate itself on the global stage,” said Maher Koubaa, executive vice president of the travel unit and managing director for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa at Amadeus.
He added: “We are excited to support Riyadh Air’s contribution to Vision 2030 and the Kingdom’s aspirations to become a global tourism and travel leader.”
Riyadh Air plans to launch a new international destination every two months once operations begin, as it prepares to take delivery of its first Boeing 787 Dreamliner, the airline’s CEO Tony Douglas told Bloomberg in June.
The carrier, which requires two aircraft to operate a round-trip route, is awaiting delivery of its initial jets to commence services.
Four Dreamliners are currently in various stages of assembly at Boeing’s facility in Charleston, South Carolina, with operations expected to begin once the first two are delivered.
In addition to its Boeing orders, Riyadh Air announced at the Paris Air Show in June that it will purchase up to 50 Airbus A350 long-range aircraft, with deliveries expected to start in 2030.
The airline has also placed orders for 60 Airbus A321neo narrowbody jets and up to 72 Boeing 787s, including options.
