Saudia Expands Travel Horizons with Aegean Codeshare Agreement
In a significant move to enhance air travel connectivity, Saudia, the national airline of Saudi Arabia, has forged a codeshare partnership with Aegean, the leading airline of Greece. This collaboration, set to commence in May, marks a strategic expansion in their existing relationship, promising numerous benefits for travelers of both airlines.
The codeshare agreement was announced at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) held in Dubai, highlighting the shared vision of both airlines to improve passenger experience and increase the range of available destinations. Arved Von Zur Muehlen, the Chief Commercial Officer of Saudia, and Yannis Rasoglou, Director of Network Planning and Airline Partnerships at Aegean, underscored the commitment to facilitating seamless travel across an expanded network.
The partnership is poised to offer significant enhancements for passengers, including streamlined booking processes, single-ticket travel, and luggage checked through to final destinations. Additionally, a reciprocal rewards program will allow passengers to earn and use miles across both airlines, further enriching the travel experience.
This agreement not only facilitates easier travel between Saudi Arabia and Greece but also extends to broader networks. Through Aegean, travelers can access 47 countries and 156 destinations, including popular spots like Zagreb, Tirana, Santorini, and Rhodes. Conversely, Aegean's passengers will gain smoother access to Saudi Arabia's burgeoning tourism locales, which are experiencing rapid growth due to extensive cultural and entertainment developments.
Moreover, the inclusion of digital transit visa services by Saudia, in collaboration with the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will allow global travelers a stopover of up to 96 hours in Saudi Arabia, enhancing the appeal of Saudia as a bridge between East and West.
The codeshare flights are available for booking since the end of April, with operations beginning on May 9. Both airlines have expressed intentions to expand their joint route offerings progressively.