Riyadh Air Eyes China Market, Sign MoU with China Eastern Airlines

Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new digitally native airline, on Wednesday said that it took a significant step forward in its future entry into the key Chinese market by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with China Eastern Airlines, a leading global airline based in Shanghai.

The MoU was signed at the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 3 June 2024 in Dubai and follows a similar agreement signed with the Singapore Airlines the same day.

This strategic partnership strengthens the growing economic and cultural ties between China and Saudi Arabia while unlocking new travel options for underserved markets. China Eastern Airlines recently launched direct flights from Shanghai to Riyadh, demonstrating a shared commitment to enhancing connectivity and fostering collaboration in areas like trade, tourism, and culture.

Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas said that this MoU marked a significant milestone for the Saudi airline as China is a hugely important market for their future network.

He also said that by closely collaborating with China Eastern Airlines, a leading player in the Chinese market, Riyadh Air can unlock new travel opportunities and drive economic growth across both countries. We are particularly excited to explore synergies in digital innovation, where both airlines share a commitment to the future of travel. Riyadh Air’s collaboration extends beyond conventional connectivity, fostering collaboration on digital transformation, a critical area for Chinese airlines.

“Recognising China Eastern’s ongoing digitalisation efforts, Riyadh Air sees immense potential for knowledge sharing and technology development. Riyadh Air’s pioneering approach perfectly aligns with China Eastern’s focus on digital transformation, creating a powerful partnership for the future,” he added.

Strategic Cooperation

China Eastern Airlines Chairman Wang Zhiqing said that benefiting from the forward development of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Saudi Arabia, China Eastern Airlines has reached a strategic cooperation with Riyadh Air focused on the future.

The signing of this MoU outlines the broad direction for cooperation between the two companies in areas such as business and promotes exchanges in information technology and digital operations, Wang said.

He said that they were full of anticipation for the outcomes of this cooperation as China Eastern Airlines was committed to driving high-quality development through comprehensive digital empowerment, enhancing core competitiveness, and providing excellent products and experiences for our customers.

Additionally, the MoU facilitates the seamless connection between China Eastern Airlines’ Shanghai-based hub network and Riyadh Air’s future route network. This will ease passenger transfers between China and regions such as the Middle East, Europe, Africa, and South America, fostering new development and growth for both parties.

Riyadh Air is a pioneering force in digital aviation, shaping the future of travel with a focus on innovation and exceptional guest experiences. As Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier, Riyadh Air connects passengers to key destinations globally while showcasing the beauty and rich heritage of the Kingdom.