Riyadh Air partners with major Asian airlines to grow network

DUBAI, June 4 (Reuters) - Riyadh Air has partnered with Singapore Airlines and Air China as the Saudi startup carrier grows its potential network ahead of launching commercial operations next year, the airlines said on Tuesday.

Riyadh Air, which is owned by Saudi sovereign wealth fund PIF, will be a second national airline, based in the capital Riyadh, alongside existing flag carrier Saudia, which is based in Jeddah.

Riyadh Air is trying to build its network through a series of bilateral partnerships and code shares rather than relying purely on its own planes, or joining a formal airline alliance.

CEO Tony Douglas told Reuters Riyadh Air is seeking codeshare partners among a number of significant carriers around the world.

State-owned flag carrier Air China recently started flights to Riyadh from Beijing, amid warming ties between the two countries. Potential cooperation between the airlines could include interline traffic and codeshares, a statement said.

The partnership with major Asian carrier Singapore Airlines could see work on interline services, code shares, frequent flyer programs and cargo services, the statement also said.

Riyadh Air last year signed a cooperation agreement with Turkish Airlines, one of the biggest carriers in the world. (Reporting by Tim Hepher and Lisa Barrington Editing by Tomasz Janowski)