RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s nascent flag carrier Riyadh Air has signed a strategic memorandum of understanding with Turkish Airlines to offer a wide range benefits for travelers using the carriers. Under the deal, passengers of both airlines can enjoy the convenience of a comprehensive interline and codeshare agreement, allowing for smooth connections across the networks of both Turkish Airlines and Riyadh Air, according to a press statement. Another feature of this cooperation agreement is the offering of a loyalty program, which allows passengers to earn points or credits on codeshare flights operated by either airline. The press statement added that these benefits will be offered to travelers after Riyadh Air launches operations in mid-2025 and is subject to regulatory approvals by relevant authorities. The signing ceremony took place on the sidelines of the 15th International Conference on Air Services Negotiations, which is affiliated with the International Civil Aviation Organization, being held in Riyadh. “This agreement is another very significant step in the evolution of Riyadh Air as we partner with the world’s largest global airline by destinations served,” said Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas. He added: “Bilateral agreements with established network airlines are extremely important to Riyadh Air and there are significant benefits to this partnership, our passengers can enjoy greater connectivity to the world and deeper access to Turkiye, while an increased flow in volumes of tourism, religious and business travel into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is anticipated.” Strengthening the aviation sector is very crucial for Saudi Arabia, as the Kingdom is aiming to become a global tourism hub, aligned with the goals outlined in Vision 2030. Through its National Tourism Strategy, Saudi Arabia aims to attract 150 million tourists to the Kingdom by 2030. “This memorandum of understanding is more than a collaboration; it’s a bridge between Turkiye and Saudi Arabia, further strengthening our ties,” said Levent Konukcu, chief investment and technology officer at Turkish Airlines. He added: “It’s also an opportunity to expand our reach and offer our guests more choices and convenience. We believe this partnership will not only benefit our customers but also contribute significantly to the tourism and business sectors of both countries.”