WestJet, Saudia Announce New Interline Agreement

‍CALGARY — WestJet (WS) and Saudia (SV) announced a new interline partnership today, including more than 100 destinations globally between their networks.

The new agreement includes single-connection access to WestJet’s home in Calgary (YYC) and Saudia’s main hub in Jeddah (JED) via London Heathrow (LHR), Paris Charles-De-Gaulle (CDG), and Toronto (YYZ), along with greater connectivity to Riyadh (RUH) and beyond.

The agreement was signed by the Saudi flag carrier’s Chief Commercial Officer, Arved von zur Muehlen, and WestJet’s Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, John Weatherill, in a meeting between the two executives.

”An interline partnership with Saudia marks a significant step forward in expanding global connectivity for our guests,” stated Weatherill. “This agreement not only provides WestJet guests with seamless single-connection access to Saudia’s extensive global network but also strengthens inbound tourism and business links.”

Arved von zur Muehlen added, “We value the partnership with WestJet, it reflects Saudia’s commitment to offer our guests more destinations through key international gateways. Canada is now closer than ever, and we are also offering a seamless journey for travellers from Canada to explore Saudi Arabia and experience its unique culture, heritage, and hospitality.”

This new agreement marks the latest expansion of WestJet’s partnerships this year, primarily among SkyTeam alliance members. Earlier this month, it announced a new interline with Scandinavian Airlines (SK), as well as expansions on existing agreements and codeshares with Air France-KLM and Virgin Atlantic (VS). Additionally, a quarter of the carrier was sold by its parent company, Onex Corporation, to Delta Air Lines (DL), Korean Air (KL), and Air France-KLM last month.

For Saudia, the agreement signals the carrier’s intent to grow as an airline to compete with Riyadh Air ahead of its launch next year, as well as in the Saudi Arabian market. The airline has been undertaking a major brand and fleet transformation in recent years, and this week announced that its brand value had reached and surpassed US$1 billion, making it the fastest growing brand in Saudi Arabia.

Passengers can book combined itineraries with single point check-in and bag drop between the two carriers through travel agents and third-party websites, effective immediately.