In a strategic move to reshape global air routes, Delta Air Lines is launching the first-ever direct Flights between the United States and the Saudi capital Riyadh. Historic new route, discussed on stage Fortune Global Forum The meeting in Riyadh marked a major milestone in relations between the two countries and underscored Saudi Arabia’s accelerating ambition to position itself as a global aviation hub. Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian says it must overcome natural barriers Americans face wealth Editor-in-Chief Alison Shortell.
Bastian said frankly that “Americans are not too sure about the visit,” citing the history of religious, political and cultural tensions between the two countries. But he said when you come to Riyadh and Saudi Arabia you see an “amazing display” of different tourism opportunities and experiences, stressing that the “people” are truly special, highlighting hospitality and a true “embracing” culture. He added that people were “surprised” when he told them Riyadh was actually one of his favorite places to visit in “a long time” but that he was willing to be patient.
“It’s going to start slow,” Bastian said, noting that it was the first U.S. airline to offer nonstop service, “but I believe it will grow in popularity.” Underscoring Bastian’s comments was the simple fact that Saudi Arabia is not easily accessible, a fact that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud has been working to change with his Vision 2030, which plans to shift the country away from oil and toward tourism, investment and technology.
A growing hub in the Middle East
Business travel, particularly to Riyadh’s growing financial district, has grown steadily, making direct connectivity crucial for global businesses, the Saudis separately highlighted during the global forum, Focus on attracting regional headquarters of large multinational companies. Saudi Arabia has also launched a new national airline, Riyadh Water CompanyBastian was joined onstage by Delta Air Lines CEO Tony Douglas, who has worked with Delta Air Lines for many years.
Douglas, former CEO of Etihad Airways Appointment 2023 Just the day before, he was celebrating the new Saudi national airline’s first flight to London’s Heathrow Airport. “I had a great sleep last night,” Douglas told Shortell, adding that the night before the first flight wasn’t so relaxing. “There’s nothing better than seeing our plane land at London Heathrow 10 minutes early to mark this very, very special moment.”
Douglas’ hiring in 2023 is part of a wider effort to support Vision 2030’s goal of attracting 100 million visitors per year by 2030. The airline is expected to add $20 billion to Saudi’s non-oil growth and create more than 200,000 jobs. Bloomberg reports then. The Riyadh Airways logo may be familiar to fans as it is new Atlético de Madrid jersey sponsor.
Delta’s new route will connect its largest international gateway, Atlanta, to Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport (RUH). Prior to this partnership, no U.S. airline provided direct service to Saudi Arabia. American Airlines and United Airlines served Jeddah and Riyadh years ago through European connections or joint ventures, but neither has maintained consistent direct operations.
Delta Air Lines and Riyadh Airways A memorandum of understanding was previously signed The two airlines will enter into a strategic partnership in July 2024 with the goal of offering a wide range of benefits to passengers traveling between North America, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and other destinations. “We look forward to building and expanding this partnership in the coming months and years,” Bastian said at the time. “We are delighted to have the opportunity to work with the Riyadh Air team and PIF to help them transform the Kingdom’s transport economy.”