Saudi Arabian Airlines and Singapore Airlines to Enhance Cooperation

Source: Singapore Airlines Limited    Author:    06/19/2008

Subject Concerned: Airlines   

On June 19, Saudi Arabian Airlines and Singapore Airlines signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for Marketing Cooperation, establishing the framework for a long-term relationship primarily focused on developing routes between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Singapore.

The non-binding MOU will foster a closer relationship between the two carriers. It outlines the areas in which the two parties will cooperate, to seek new business opportunities, improve airline efficiency, and ultimately deliver an enhanced customer experience. These areas include:

• Marketing cooperation (e.g. through-checks) for seamless travel;
• Code-share arrangements;
• Schedule coordination, aimed at improving connections for customers travelling beyond;
• Frequent flyer programme cooperation;
• Cargo facilitation.

The MOU excludes cooperation in setting individual ticket fares or cargo rates, or any other activity not exempted under applicable competition laws.

Both Saudi Arabian Airlines and Singapore Airlines also agreed to work together, where possible, to support their respective civil aviation authorities in the further liberalization of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia-Singapore Air Service Agreement, opening up more opportunities for the two airlines to build on the demand for air travel between, and beyond, Saudi Arabia and Singapore.

Mr Abdul Aziz AlHazmi, Executive Vice President Marketing of Saudi Arabian Airlines stated: "This historic event of signing the MOU between Saudi Arabian Airlines and Singapore Airlines serves to blend the characteristic strengths of the two world-class carriers for enhanced benefits for both companies, as well as added value for the travelling experience of both airlines' clientele."

"Through this MOU, we look forward to building a long-term cooperative relationship with Saudi Arabian Airlines. We will harness each carrier's respective network, unique identity and culture. We believe that this will be mutually beneficial for both airlines, and more importantly, our customers," said Singapore Airlines' Executive Vice President Marketing & the Regions Huang Cheng Eng.

Saudi Arabian Airlines' Executive Vice President Marketing Abdul Aziz AlHazmi and Singapore Airlines' Executive Vice President Marketing & the Regions Huang Cheng Eng signed the MOU at a ceremony held in Singapore on June 19.

Photograph: (Seated, from left) Saudi Arabian Airlines' General Manager Bilateral & Commercial Agreements Dr Ayed Al-Amri, and Executive Vice President Marketing Abdul Aziz AlHazmi, together with Singapore Airlines' Executive Vice President Marketing & the Regions Huang Cheng Eng, and Vice President Partnerships T K Mun, penning the Memorandum of Understanding between the two airlines.