Travelers between Saudi Arabia and Egypt, and beyond, can rejoice as Riyadh Air, the new digital-first airline of Saudi Arabia, and EgyptAir, the national carrier of Egypt, join forces. On June 4, 2024, at the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Annual General Meeting held in Dubai, the two airlines signed a Strategic Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This agreement promises a wider range of travel options and exclusive benefits for passengers.
This strategic partnership strengthens ties between the neighboring nations and their respective aviation sectors. It also unlocks a world of possibilities for travelers seeking seamless connections across the Middle East and Africa. A key focus of the MoU is to provide passengers with more choices when flying between the bustling capitals of Riyadh and Cairo.
Expressing his enthusiasm about the collaboration, Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air, highlighted the significance of the Egyptian market. He stated, "The signing of this MoU is a significant achievement for Riyadh Air, bringing numerous advantages to our passengers. With Egypt being a close neighbor to Saudi Arabia, we anticipate substantial traffic on both the Riyadh-Cairo route and vice versa. Therefore, working closely to stimulate demand is crucial. "
The partnership will translate into a multitude of benefits for travelers. They can expect a wider selection of flights on the popular Riyadh-Cairo route, along with improved connectivity to various domestic and international destinations throughout the Middle East and Africa. Passengers can also look forward to reaping the rewards of integrated loyalty programs offered by both airlines.
Eng. Yehia Zakaria, Group Chairman of EGYPTAIR, echoed Douglas's sentiment, calling the cooperation a "new chapter" in their partnership strategy. He remarked, "This exciting development signifies our commitment to expanding our network and offering our passengers unparalleled travel experiences. We are confident that this collaboration with Riyadh Air will not only benefit our passengers but also foster a stronger relationship between our airlines. "
The specific details of the MoU, including the exact benefits and reward structures, are yet to be revealed by both airlines. However, passengers can anticipate an announcement in the near future outlining the program's specifics. This collaboration between Riyadh Air and EgyptAir paves the way for a more convenient and rewarding travel experience for those flying between the two countries and beyond.