Saudia and Italy's ITA Airways Announce Loyalty Program Partnership

By Ivan PetrenkoJun 4, 2024 05:30 AMNews
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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.

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