Saudi start-up Riyadh Air unveils network co-operation pact with Turkish Airlines

Saudi Arabian start-up carrier Riyadh Air has provisionally agreed to enter a strategic co-operation with Turkish Airlines. The agreement is set to include codeshare and interline operations between Riyadh and Istanbul, and the deal will also cover “points beyond”, the Saudi carrier says. “Guests of both airlines will be able to take full advantage of each carrier’s worldwide network,” it states. Both operators are also looking to develop a broad loyalty programme covering their combined networks. Riyadh Air chief executive Tony Douglas says the tie-up is a “very significant step” in the development of the new carrier. He says the agreement will provide “seamless connectivity” through Istanbul to around 130 destinations and will “accelerate our network footprint”. “Bilateral agreements with established network airlines are extremely important to Riyadh Air and there are significant benefits to this partnership,” he adds.<br/>