Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Air (RX) and Japan’s All Nippon Airways (ANA | NH) have formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), establishing a strategic foundation to significantly enhance air connectivity between Saudi Arabia, Japan, and additional global destinations across their respective networks. This strategic alliance marks an important milestone toward expanding choices for international travelers while strengthening aviation links between the two nations.
Subject to obtaining necessary regulatory approvals, the agreement sets out a detailed framework for both airlines to gradually roll out a comprehensive range of passenger benefits. The primary focus of the MoU is to leverage Riyadh Air’s primary hub in Riyadh alongside ANA’s dual-hub system in Tokyo. By combining these operational centers, the two carriers intend to deliver more seamless travel choices, improve passenger access to domestic and international markets, and optimize flight schedules across key transit points.
Highlighting the importance of the partnership, Tony Douglas, Chief Executive Officer of Riyadh Air, said, “This unique agreement with ANA reflects Riyadh Air’s ambition to build meaningful global partnerships that expand choice and deliver long-term value to our guests. The MoU with ANA will provide a seamless premium experience for our passengers while laying the groundwork for stronger connectivity between Riyadh and Tokyo, and supporting broader commercial, operational, and guest experience opportunities as we continue to grow our network.”
Under the partnership, Riyadh Air and ANA aim to build convenient flight connections between Riyadh and Tokyo via strategic intermediate hubs, laying a robust foundation for future network growth. For All Nippon Airways, this beyond-Riyadh and intermediate connectivity is positioned as a vital network foundation to capture the rising travel demand heading into Riyadh and reaching into broader international destinations. Beyond basic route connectivity, the cooperation outlined in the MoU encompasses interline connectivity, future codeshare arrangements, and reciprocity between their respective loyalty programs.
Echoing this enthusiasm, Juichi Hirasawa, CEO of ANA, stated, “This partnership reflects ANA’s ambition to connect Japan with Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East – a region of remarkable economic growth – while welcoming Riyadh Air’s guests to destinations across Japan and Asia. We are thrilled to partner with a young, dynamic, and innovative carrier whose relentless pursuit of high-quality service perfectly mirrors our own values. We aim to serve as a bridge between our markets and drive new business and tourism exchanges between our countries and beyond.”