Delhi -Riyadh Air (RX) and the Air France-KLM group (AF-KL) have signed a memorandum of understanding to establish strategic cooperation, aimed at improving connectivity between Riyadh, Paris and Amsterdam.
The agreement was signed at AGA IATA 2025 by Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air, and Benjamin Smith, CEO of the Air France-KLM group. Subject to the required regulatory approvals, this cooperation will open up new opportunities in Western Europe, North and South America, the Middle East, Asia and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The recent launch by Air France of a direct route between Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Riyadh, completing the existing Amsterdam-Riyadh road from KLM, reflects the commitment of partners to extend travel options to and from Saudi Arabia.
Thanks to this agreement, the airlines will explore means to establish mutually beneficial arrangements for operational assistance, access to airport fairs and reward programs. Cooperation also covers freight transport, digital transformation, sustainable development and aircraft maintenance.
Combined network reach
Riyadh air network
- Late 2025 launch
- Taking more than 100 destinations on six continents
- Fleet: 60 Airbus A321neo (Narrowbody), 72 Boeing 787 (Widebody) on order, with a new planned expansion
- HUB: King Khalid International Airport, Riyadh
Air France-KLM group network
- KLM: more than 170 destinations around the world, including 19 in North America
- Air France: vast European, African, Asian and American coverage
- HUBS: Paris Charles de Gaulle (Air France), Amsterdam Schiphol (KLM)
- Skyteam Alliance member
If the airlines were to combine their networks, either by the codes, an alliance partnership or interlocated agreements – their joint scope would be important:
- Global coverage: Almost all the large regions and economic center around the world would be accessible, with strong presences in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and the Americas.
- HUB connectivity: Passengers could connect in a transparent way through Riyadh, Paris and Amsterdam, facilitating one-way travel between the Middle East and almost all the destinations served by AF-KL.
- Synergy of the fleet: The new Widebody and Aircraft Fleet Fleet with narrow body would complete the long and regional operations established by AF, improving flexibility and capacity.
- Skyteam Alliance: KL and AF are main members of Skyteam, and RX has signed cooperation agreements with several members of Skyteam and Star Alliance, indicating the opening to alliance -based connectivity.
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Airline CEO comments
Tony Douglas, Chairman and CEO of Riyadh Air, said: “We work hard to connect Riyad 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. Network, strengthen confidence in our growth trajectory and confirm our role in supporting the economic diversification objectives of Saudi Arabia under vision 2030. ”
Benjamin Smith, CEO of Air France-KLM, added: “Saudi Arabia is quickly established as a key aeronautical market. Our three of our brands, Air France, KLM and Transavia, now serve the country, and with this new agreement with Riyadh Air, we aim to strengthen our presence in the region. Transparent trip.
