- The partnership brings together two major aviation markets with strong long-term potential for business, tourism and trade
- MoU aims to create more convenient travel options between Saudi Arabia, Japan and destinations beyond
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and Tokyo, Japan- August 18, 2026: Riyadh Air and All Nippon Airways (ANA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marking an important step toward enhancing connectivity for guests traveling between Saudi Arabia, Japan and destinations beyond, across both carriers’ networks.
Subject to regulatory approvals, the MoU sets the framework for Riyadh Air and ANA to gradually introduce a wide range of benefits to provide guests with more choices and travel experiences, while creating new opportunities to strengthen air links between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Japan.
The partnership is intended to leverage Riyadh Air’s hub in Riyadh and ANA’s dual hub in Tokyo to support more seamless travel options and improve access to domestic and international markets.
The two carriers aim to build convenient connectivity between Riyadh and Tokyo via key connecting points, while creating a foundation for future expansion as both networks grow. For ANA, this intermediate and beyond-Riyadh connectivity is positioned as one of the key network foundations to capture robust demand to Riyadh and into broader international markets.
Beyond network connectivity, the MoU contemplates cooperation across a range of areas including interline connectivity, codeshare arrangements, and loyalty program reciprocity.
Tony Douglas, Chief Executive Officer of Riyadh Air, said: “This unique agreement with ANA reflects Riyadh Air’s ambition to build meaningful global partnerships that expand choice and deliver long-term value to our guests. The MoU with ANA will provide a seamless premium experience for our passengers while laying the groundwork for stronger connectivity between Riyadh and Tokyo, and supporting broader commercial, operational, and guest experience opportunities as we continue to grow our network.”
Juichi Hirasawa, CEO of ANA, stated: “This partnership reflects ANA’s ambition to connect Japan with Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East – a region of remarkable economic growth – while welcoming Riyadh Air’s guests to destinations across Japan and Asia. We are thrilled to partner with a young, dynamic, and innovative carrier whose relentless pursuit of high-quality service perfectly mirrors our own values. We aim to serve as a bridge between our markets and drive new business and tourism exchanges between our countries and beyond.”
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About Riyadh Air
Riyadh Air, a wholly owned PIF company, is redefining global travel as a full-service global carrier based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Since its launch in March 2023, Riyadh Air has committed to building a modern, efficient fleet and embracing careful sustainability practices, focusing on responsible operations and thoughtful innovation throughout every journey. Each aircraft features advanced cabin interiors, next-generation digital inflight entertainment, and seamless connectivity, ensuring every guest enjoys a memorable experience. By 2030, Riyadh Air aims to connect guests to over 100 destinations worldwide, with authentic Saudi hospitality at the heart of every flight.
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About ANA
Founded in 1952 with just two helicopters, All Nippon Airways (ANA) has grown to become Japan’s largest airline and a global leader in premium service.
ANA operates an extensive international and domestic network, connecting destinations across Asia, North America, Europe and beyond. With a focus on quality and omotenashi, ANA delivers a consistently high standard of service across every stage of the journey.
ANA is the only Japanese airline to have earned SKYTRAX’s 5-Star rating every year since 2013, underscoring its consistent excellence. The airline is also a four-time recipient of the Air Transport World’s (ATW) Airline of the Year award. In 2025, ANA was honored with FlightGlobal’s Executive Leadership: Asia-Pacific Award, reflecting its continued focus on innovation and strategic growth.
As part of ANA HOLDINGS Inc., ANA continues to invest in the onboard experience, its fleet and digital services to enhance the travel experience for passengers worldwide.
For more information about ANA and ANA HD, please visit: https://www.ana.co.jp/group/en/