Barely launched and already completed. It took just under a year for the trade partnership agreement between ITA Airways and Saudia will last a long time. Launched with great fanfare on 1 June 2024, the agreement officially ends on 15 November.
The commercial partnership included code-sharing lines. But above all, the reciprocity of ITA's Volare and Saudia's Alfursan frequent flyer programmes. Until now, members of both programmes could earn or redeem miles on flights operated by both carriers.
This decision is part of a wider strategic realignment for both airlines. ITA Airways effectively left the SkyTeam alliance this year, of which Saudia is a member. The Italian carrier received the green light in mid-year to officially join Star Alliance, following Lufthansa's acquisition of a stake in its capital. Official integration is scheduled for early 2026.
For its part, Saudia is consolidating its partnerships in line with its Vision 2030 expansion strategy. This is reflected in the strengthening of its links with Air France-KLM. The Saudi carrier has signed two code-share agreements on a dozen routes with Air France to Europe and Brazil via Paris-CDG. And with KLM via the Amsterdam hub on European routes.
At the same time, ITA Airways has already reduced its presence in Saudi Arabia. On 26 October, the carrier suspended its service between Rome-Fiumicino and Jeddah. It has just announced that it is extending this suspension until the end of March. Although Jeddah has reappeared in the Italian carrier's summer pre-schedules, the flights have not yet been confirmed.
