RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s national flag carrier Riyadh Air and China’s TravelSky Technology Limited on Thursday signed a distribution cooperation agreement aimed at strengthening the airline’s presence in the Chinese market.
Under the agreement signed in Beijing, the two companies will combine TravelSky’s extensive aviation and travel services ecosystem with its advanced technology capabilities to collaborate on omni-channel distribution, modern airline retailing, digital innovation and enhancing the passenger experience, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday.
The partnership is expected to support Riyadh Air’s entry into China while improving services for Chinese travel agencies, industry partners and travellers.
It will also enable both companies to explore new opportunities to expand Riyadh Air’s international network and support its long-term growth strategy in the Chinese market.
Vincent Coste, chief commercial officer of Riyadh Air, said China is one of the airline’s most strategically important growth markets, adding that the partnership would provide travellers with a more personalised and seamless booking experience, Xinhua reported.
TravelSky Chairman Jiang Bo said his company looks forward to deepening cooperation with Riyadh Air, adding that the two companies will work together to develop a digital aviation ecosystem and promote new models of airline retailing and distribution.
Saudi Arabia officially launched Riyadh Air in June this year, its new national carrier, marking a major milestone in the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 strategy to diversify the economy and strengthen its position as a global aviation hub.
Riyadh Air launches ticket sales for Bangkok route
Meanwhile, Riyadh Air on Thursday also announced the launch of ticket sales for its new service between Riyadh and Bangkok.
The route will operate three weekly flights, with additional destinations set to be announced in the coming days and weeks, the SPA reported.
Bangkok is now on our map 🇹🇭
Starting September 2, we’ll connect Riyadh and Bangkok with three weekly flights.
— Riyadh Air | طيران الرياض (@RiyadhAir) August 6, 2026
The airline will launch flights between Riyadh and Bangkok on September 2, further expanding its presence in Asia and strengthening connectivity between Saudi Arabia and one of Southeast Asia’s key travel destinations.
The airline will operate three weekly flights between King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok, supporting its strategy to connect major global destinations through the Saudi capital.
The new route will provide travellers from Bangkok with direct access to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s capital and commercial hub, offering convenient links to the Kingdom’s business, cultural and tourism attractions.
It also reinforces Riyadh’s growing role as an international aviation hub by enhancing connectivity across Riyadh Air’s expanding global network.
Riyadh Air launches direct flights to Pakistan, Philippines
Earlier this week, Riyadh Air opened bookings for its new direct flights connecting Riyadh with Islamabad, Lahore, and Manila, marking another milestone in the airline’s expansion across Asia.
Tickets for all three destinations are now available through the Riyadh Air website, mobile app, and authorised travel agents, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.
Also Read: Riyadh Air Launches Direct Flights to Pakistan, Philippines
The airline had announced that its inaugural flights will begin operation to Islamabad on August 14, Lahore on August 18, and Manila on September 9.
The new routes are expected to strengthen travel links between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and the Philippines, while enhancing Riyadh’s position as a regional aviation hub connecting passengers to destinations across the Kingdom and Europe.
Riyadh Air, flagship project backed by PIF
Riyadh Air is a flagship project backed by the Kingdom’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) and is expected to play a central role in transforming Riyadh into a major international gateway connecting Asia, Europe and Africa.
The carrier has ambitious expansion plans and aims to connect more than 100 international destinations within the next five years. To support its growth strategy, Riyadh Air has already ordered 132 Boeing 787 Dreamliners and 25 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, with options for additional purchases in the future.
Saudi Arabia aims to increase annual air traffic to 330 million passengers by the end of the decade as it prepares to host major global events, including Expo 2030 and the FIFA World Cup 2034.
