Riyadh Air and Mastercard have announced a strategic partnership aimed at transforming global travel through the integration of payments, technology, and travel experiences.
As a digital-native airline with no legacy
systems, Riyadh Air is positioned to co-create a comprehensive
financial and payment ecosystem from the ground up.
The collaboration introduces innovations across
consumer payments, premium airport experiences, and next-generation B2B travel
payments, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s role as a leader in the future of travel.
A key element of the alliance is the launch of
Riyadh Air–branded Mastercard credit and prepaid cards.
These digital-first cards will allow users to
convert everyday spending into flights, upgrades, lifestyle rewards, and
exclusive experiences.
Fully embedded within the Riyadh Air mobile
app, the cards will enable seamless application, management, and reward
tracking, with rollout planned for Saudi residents in late 2026.
Beyond consumer offerings, Riyadh Air will
become the first airline globally to introduce an airline-branded virtual card
program for travel trade settlements, enhancing efficiency, security, and
reconciliation for travel intermediaries worldwide.
The partnership also includes the creation of a
joint centre
of excellence to design and scale new solutions using advanced technologies,
shared data insights, and talent development.
“This partnership reflects Mastercard’s role in creating meaningful solutions,
paving the way for smart, secure and seamless payments,” said Dr Dimitrios Dosis,
President, Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa, Mastercard. “Together with Riyadh
Air, we are creating an integrated digitally-native ecosystem that delivers value
at every touchpoint—for guests, travel agents, airlines and hospitality partners—while
reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s role as a global travel hub.”
“Our deep collaboration with Mastercard clearly reflects not only our commitment to be a digital native airline but strong confidence in our future trajectory. It allows us to build a travel experience that is seamless, digital and distinctly differentiated,” said Adam Boukadida, Chief Financial Officer, Riyadh Air. “We are fortunate to be in a highly unique situation where we can implement many different solutions at the same time, from integrated payments and rewards to premium airport experiences and innovative virtual payment solutions. This collaboration enables us to deliver exceptional journeys for our guests around the world.” -TradeArabia News Service