Air France-KLM and Riyadh Air launch strategic partnership at IATA AGM

Air France-KLM and Riyadh Air have launched a strategic partnership with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the 81st International Air Transport Association (IATA) Annual General Meeting (AGM) in New Delhi. 

The airlines confirmed on June 2, 2025, that they were taking the “significant step” to improve global air connectivity for passengers traveling between Riyadh, Paris, and Amsterdam, and connecting flights to other destinations. 

“This strategic alliance primarily aims to strengthen air network connectivity. The two partners will join forces to maximize future connecting opportunities via Riyadh Air’s hub in Riyadh, on the one hand, and Air France-KLM’s hubs at Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Amsterdam-Schiphol, on the other,” said a spokesperson for the airlines. 

The partnership covers connecting airline networks, establishing codesharing agreements, and mutual recognition of loyalty programs to provide customers with a smooth travel experience. 

Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air, and Benjamin Smith, CEO of Air France-KLM said that the agreement will open new opportunities in Western Europe, North and South America, the Middle East, Asia, and Saudi Arabia. 

Riyadh Air“We are working hard to connect Riyadh to the rest of the world and our partnership with Air France-KLM, a leading global airline, will accelerate our efforts to achieve this goal. We aim to deliver exceptional experiences and deliver on our long-term ambition to redefine air travel through innovation, operational excellence and customer-centric services,” said Douglas.  

He added: “This partnership will strengthen our international network, build confidence in our growth trajectory and confirm our role in supporting Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification goals under Vision 2030.” 

Beyond connecting their air networks, Riyadh Air and Air France-KLM are keen to cooperate to enhance their respective customers’ experiences.   

The partners will explore opportunities to establish reciprocal benefits related to loyalty programs, operational support, and airport lounge access.  

The partnership also covers aircraft maintenance, digital transformation, sustainable development, and freight transport, with a focus on value creation.   

“Saudi Arabia is rapidly establishing itself as a key aviation market. All three of our brands, Air France, KLM and Transavia, now serve the country, and with this new agreement with Riyadh Air, we aim to continue strengthening our presence in the region,” said Smith. 

He added: “We are pleased to combine our networks and expertise with those of Riyadh Air to offer our joint customers more choice and seamless travel. This cooperation complements the one already in place with our alliance partner SkyTeam in the region.” 

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