Saudia and Italy's ITA Airways Announce Loyalty Program Partnership

By Ivan PetrenkoJun 4, 2024 05:30 AMNews
Share:
ITA Airways flight to Milan Linate taxiing to the Polderbaan runway at Schiphol airport for departure.
ITA Airways flight to Milan Linate taxiing to the Polderbaan runway at Schiphol airport for departure. Source: unsplash

Saudia and ITA Airways have announced an expansion of their existing codeshare agreement to include a partnership between their frequent flyer programs, ‘AlFursan’ and ‘Volare.’ This collaboration allows passengers to earn and redeem points and enjoy status perks across both carriers, enhancing the travel experience between Saudi Arabia and Italy.

Rome to Riyadh

The partnership announcement coincides with ITA Airways launching its new Rome to Riyadh route. The first flight landed on Sunday, June 2nd, with additional routes to Kuwait City, Jeddah, and Dubai set to commence in the coming months. This strategic move aims to provide travelers with increased travel options and a broader network of connections.

Enhanced Travel Benefits

The new partnership offers numerous benefits for passengers. Travelers can now book a single ticket for itineraries involving both airlines, check their luggage through to their final destination, and earn and redeem points for class upgrades and other benefits. SkyTeam Elite and Elite Plus members will enjoy priority check-in and boarding, preferential baggage drop-off, and additional baggage allowances on Saudia flights.

For those looking to explore more destinations, travelers can take advantage of a transit visa that allows a stopover in Saudi Arabia for up to 96 hours. This visa can be issued digitally, providing convenience and the opportunity to experience events and attractions in the Kingdom.

Aiming for Greater Connectivity

This partnership is part of Saudia's broader strategy to increase air connectivity to over 250 destinations and attract 150 million visits by 2030. Amr Bakor, Head of Program Design and Airline Loyalty at Saudia, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, emphasizing the enhanced connectivity and benefits for AlFursan members.

"This partnership is designed to enhance the travel experience for our guests by offering increased connectivity and a wider range of destinations. AlFursan’s members will also enjoy reciprocal benefits, allowing them to earn and redeem miles seamlessly across both airlines."

Saudia and Italy's ITA Airways Announce Loyalty Program Partnership

Saudia and ITA Airways have announced an expansion of their existing codeshare agreement to include a partnership between their frequent flyer programs, ‘AlFursan’ and ‘Volare.’ This collaboration allows passengers to earn and redeem points and enjoy status perks across both carriers, enhancing the travel experience between Saudi Arabia and Italy.

Rome to Riyadh

The partnership announcement coincides with ITA Airways launching its new Rome to Riyadh route. The first flight landed on Sunday, June 2nd, with additional routes to Kuwait City, Jeddah, and Dubai set to commence in the coming months. This strategic move aims to provide travelers with increased travel options and a broader network of connections.

Enhanced Travel Benefits

The new partnership offers numerous benefits for passengers. Travelers can now book a single ticket for itineraries involving both airlines, check their luggage through to their final destination, and earn and redeem points for class upgrades and other benefits. SkyTeam Elite and Elite Plus members will enjoy priority check-in and boarding, preferential baggage drop-off, and additional baggage allowances on Saudia flights.

For those looking to explore more destinations, travelers can take advantage of a transit visa that allows a stopover in Saudi Arabia for up to 96 hours. This visa can be issued digitally, providing convenience and the opportunity to experience events and attractions in the Kingdom.

Aiming for Greater Connectivity

This partnership is part of Saudia's broader strategy to increase air connectivity to over 250 destinations and attract 150 million visits by 2030. Amr Bakor, Head of Program Design and Airline Loyalty at Saudia, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, emphasizing the enhanced connectivity and benefits for AlFursan members.

"We are pleased to extend our codeshare agreement with Saudia Airlines. This partnership enhances ITA Airways’ commercial strategy of growth and increases connectivity for our passengers. With this agreement, ITA Airways now boasts 37 codeshare agreements, achieved in less than three years since beginning of our operations."

Looking Ahead

As ITA Airways continues to invest in its North American network with new flights to Toronto and Chicago, the partnership with Saudia underscores the strategic importance of the Middle Eastern market. The collaboration promises to bring significant value to travelers and enhance the overall travel experience between Europe and the Middle East.

Top Articles
Top 15 top reasons why flights are delayed: from bad weather and waiting for luggage to strikes, bird collisions and crew tardiness

Top 15 top reasons why flights are delayed: from bad weather and waiting for luggage to strikes, bird collisions and crew tardiness

Jul 3, 2024 10:09 AM
Vacationing against the backdrop of the Wyoming wilderness

Wyoming's top 10 resorts: luxury, comfort, adventure

Jul 2, 2024 09:42 AM

How far in advance to book a flight: secrets to finding cheap airfare

Jul 1, 2024 10:45 AM

Top 10 resorts in Utah, USA: from chic glamping in the middle of the desert for a night under the stars to stunning ski resorts with exclusive amenities

Jun 30, 2024 08:04 AM
More News
A view of Barcelona from Park Güell, one of Antoni Gaudí's most famous creations

Barcelona Increases Tourist and City Taxes

Jul 4, 2024 01:30 AM
Narita Airport Terminal 2·3, Narita-shi, Japan

JAL and ANA Implement New Guidelines to Combat Passenger Misconduct

Jul 4, 2024 00:30 AM

British Airways Boeing 777 Returns to London Heathrow Mid-Flight Due to Technical Issue

Jul 4, 2024 00:00 AM

Tenerife Unveils Ambitious Plan for New Train Network to Enhance Tourism by 2045

Jul 3, 2024 23:30 PM
american airliner on airfield during day

American Airlines Announces Additional Benefits for Frequent Flyers

Jul 3, 2024 23:00 PM
Boats in the bay of Mallorca, Spain

Majorca: The Idyllic Seaside Town with Spain's Most Picturesque Beaches

Jul 3, 2024 22:30 PM
gray airplane on parking

Airports Named After Pope John Paul II

Jul 3, 2024 22:00 PM
Southwest Airlines plane wing above clouds

"Catfishing" for Seats: A New Trend on Southwest Airlines

Jul 3, 2024 21:32 PM
Burbank airport boards straight from the tarmac

Southwest Airlines Celebrates Instagram Milestone with 1 Million Rapid Rewards Points Giveaway

Jul 3, 2024 21:00 PM

Hefty Fines for Public Arguments in Croatian Holiday Spots

Jul 3, 2024 20:30 PM

British Travel Awards 2024 Voting Opens: Win a Holiday

Jul 3, 2024 20:00 PM
Iberia airplane on the tarmac

Iberia Marks 75 Years of Madrid-Paris Flights

Jul 3, 2024 19:34 PM
Night city view of Dubai with the heist buildings of the world

Tallest Hotel in the World Surpasses Eiffel Tower, Soon to be Outdone

Jul 3, 2024 19:00 PM
Bracelets are used by scammers

Beware of the 'Bracelet Scam' Targeting Tourists in Europe

Jul 3, 2024 18:30 PM
Pack your luggage due to airport rules

New Packing Trend Could Get Holidaymakers Banned from Flights

Jul 3, 2024 18:00 PM

Austrian Airlines Expands Winter Flight Offerings in Innsbruck

Jul 3, 2024 17:30 PM

Foreign Office Warns of Bear Attacks on Hikers in Italy

Jul 3, 2024 17:00 PM
Woman on the street on the heat wave

Heat Waves in Europe Pose Growing Danger for Travelers

Jul 3, 2024 16:30 PM
Aerial view of Rio de Janeiro's coastline and cityscape

SAA and Gol Linhas Aéreas Revive Codeshare Agreement, Enhancing Connectivity Between South Africa and Brazil

Jul 3, 2024 15:34 PM
City department building in Kharkiv, Ukraine, destroyed by russians

Ukraine’s War-Torn Landscapes Draw Tourists

Jul 3, 2024 14:30 PM
flydubai airplane at Dubai International Airport with city skyline in the background

flydubai Expands Network with New Routes to Iran

Jul 3, 2024 13:32 PM
stairs down the cave

Discover Derinkuyu: Turkey’s Hidden Wonder

Jul 3, 2024 12:30 PM

Austrian Airlines Launches Nonstop Flights from Vienna to Boston

Jul 3, 2024 11:35 AM

Ancient Lighthouse in Galicia: A Beacon Through the Ages

Jul 3, 2024 11:00 AM
The Sagrada Familia, Barcelona, Spain is still in construction

Sagrada Familia Set for Completion in 2026

Jul 3, 2024 10:30 AM
Sunset view of the Great Wall in China

Rare Ming Dynasty Sculpture Unearthed in the Great Wall

Jul 3, 2024 10:00 AM