Air India, Saudia sign MoU to expand codeshare, strengthen India-Saudi air connectivity
Air India and Saudi Arabia’s Saudia have signed a preliminary agreement to expand their strategic collaboration. Both airlines have a codeshare agreement.
In a statement on Thursday, Air India said it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) setting out a phased approach towards developing the partnership.
“Areas of collaboration include expanding the existing codeshare agreement, improving connectivity between both airlines’ networks, exploring co-location of terminals and exploring further operational and commercial opportunities, including collaboration between loyalty programmes.
“The two parties will also consider opportunities to expand the partnership to other airlines in their group, including Flyadeal and Air India Express, in the future,” the statement said.
Signed by Saudia Group General Manager HE Engr. The memorandum of understanding, with the participation of Ibrahim Al-Omar and Air India Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Campbell Wilson, includes plans to expand the existing codeshare agreement, improve connectivity on both networks, explore terminal co-location at airports and enhance collaboration between airlines’ loyalty programmes. The two carriers will also examine additional operational and commercial opportunities.
Airline chiefs draw attention to increasing bilateral relations
HE Eng. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Managing Director of Saudia Group, said: “India is an important market for Saudia and Air India is a valued partner in strengthening travel connections between the two countries. This partnership will offer guests greater choice, flexibility and more seamless journeys across both networks as demand continues to grow.”
‘It will also create new opportunities’
“It will also create new opportunities for operational and commercial cooperation, support the growth priorities of both airlines and provide space to expand the relationship between our respective airline groups in the future.”
Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Air India, said: “The relationship between India and Saudi Arabia continues to strengthen across many dimensions, creating significant opportunities for aviation to play a greater role in connecting the people, businesses and economies of the two countries.”
He added: “As carriers serving rapidly growing markets, Air India and Saudia are well positioned to deepen this relationship through closer collaboration. Together with Saudia, we look forward to exploring a range of new opportunities that will deliver greater value to our respective customers as we jointly support our long-term growth objectives.”
