02 July . 2025

Riyadh Air and Almatar Sign Strategic Partnership to Integrate Modern Retailing Capabilities

In a significant step towards enhancing the use of cutting-edge technology in travel and innovation, Riyadh Air — the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier — has signed a strategic partnership with Almatar, Saudi Arabia’s leading online travel agency, to enable direct integration with the company’s modern retailing capabilities. This partnership marks a new chapter in digital aviation, empowering both parties to deliver richer and more dynamic travel experiences through real-time pricing, personalized offers, and seamless booking across Riyadh Air’s growing international network.

Vincent Coste, Chief Commercial Officer at Riyadh Air, stated:

Riyadh Air is committed to redefining the air travel experience by setting a new global standard through continuous innovation. Partnering with Almatar allows us to expand our reach and deliver dynamic travel experiences that align with our digital-first strategy.

Faisal AlRajhi, CEO of Almatar, added:

This milestone reflects Almatar’s commitment to delivering innovative travel solutions and strengthens our position as a tech leader among global online travel agencies. We are proud to implement Riyadh Air’s modern retailing capabilities powered by the NDC standard — and more importantly, we’re achieving this from within Saudi Arabia in alignment with Vision 2030.

The partnership comes at a pivotal moment in Saudi Arabia’s digital and aviation transformation journey. Riyadh Air, the Kingdom’s new national airline, is preparing to launch operations with a digital-first mindset — and Almatar will play an essential role in that story.

For travelers in Saudi Arabia, the integration provides direct access to exclusive fares, faster booking processes, and seamless customer service on a familiar platform. Almatar users will benefit from early access to Riyadh Air’s flight inventory, loyalty program integration, and ancillary services as modern retailing capabilities evolve.

For international users, the partnership ensures easy access to Riyadh Air’s destinations within and beyond the Kingdom through a world-class digital booking experience. It also underscores that homegrown Saudi platforms are no longer just regional players, but global tech forces capable of influencing the broader online travel agency ecosystem.

This integration supports the Kingdom’s national objectives by promoting digital innovation, enhancing the traveler experience, and positioning Saudi Arabia as a global hub for aviation and logistics. It also aligns with broader efforts to grow non-oil digital services and elevate local technological capabilities to world-class standards.