Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas leads a delegation to India to discuss potential partnerships with India's top airline, Bird Travels, which has appointed itself its exclusive distribution and sales partner. Douglas highlights India's relevance to Riyadh Air's operations, focusing on future connectivity and mutual growth.
Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas is leading a delegation to India for important talks to explore strategic partnerships in this key market. From March 12 to 14, 2025, the trip will involve meetings with Air India IndiGo India's two biggest airlines and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation to discuss potential agreements to facilitate the airline's launch in India.
As Riyadh Air prepares for official operations later this year, India has been identified as a crucial part of the airline's network expansion.
The country is expected to become Saudi Arabia's top tourism source market by 2030, with the Saudi Tourism Authority setting a target of welcoming 7.5 million visitors to India annually by the end of the decade.
In 2023, the number of Indian travellers to Saudi Arabia rose by 50 per cent to over 1.5 million, reflecting the impact of strategic initiatives between the two nations.
Douglas expressed, "India has long been a crucial part of Riyadh Air's network planning before the launch of our operations. India is a beautiful nation that will play a big part in the success story of our airline as travel and business opportunities multiply with the expanded offerings we are set to provide." He further emphasised the airline's commitment to fostering economic growth and strengthening the ties between the two countries. The visit also marks Riyadh Air's appointment of Bird Travels as its exclusive distribution and sales partner in India. Bird Travels, known for its deep expertise in the Indian travel landscape, will help elevate Riyadh Air's brand presence and enhance its regional service offerings.
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