Riyadh Air Signs Pact With Delta to Access US Carrier’s Network

Riyadh Air signed a preliminary cooperation agreement with Delta Air Lines Inc. as the Saudi Arabian startup looks to establish ties with carriers globally ahead of its launch next year.

The carriers plan to work toward a marketing agreement that would let them book customers on each other’s flights, according to a joint statement by the companies on Tuesday. The deal will make Delta Riyadh Air’s exclusive partner airline in the US. The pact is also Delta’s first tie-up with a Gulf carrier, after declining earlier opportunities, Chief Executive Officer Ed Bastian said in an interview.