The US-based Delta Air Lines believes that the rapid economic transformations taking place in Saudi Arabia, within the framework of "Vision 2030", have made the Kingdom one of the most attractive aviation markets in the region. As it prepares to launch the first direct flight by a US carrier to Saudi Arabia in more than two decades, the company stresses that its entry into the Saudi market represents a long-term investment, supported by economic openness and the expansion of the technology, artificial intelligence, and tourism sectors.

In an interview with "Asharq Al-Awsat", Delta Air Lines President Peter Carter emphasized that the company views Saudi Arabia as one of the most prominent strategic growth opportunities in the region, in light of the economic transformations witnessed by the Kingdom and its openness to foreign investments.

He stated that the company views the Saudi market as "open for business and welcoming to foreign investment," noting that the path of economic diversification under "Vision 2030" serves as an inspiration for global companies wishing to participate in these transformations.

He added that the growing relations between Saudi Arabia and the United States, whether at the economic level or through family and social ties, provide a strong foundation for the growth of travel between the two countries, alongside the expected demand from the business sector, luxury tourism, and visits to friends and relatives.

First US Carrier

Delta Air Lines is preparing to launch direct flights between Atlanta and Riyadh starting October 23, becoming the first US carrier to operate direct flights to Saudi Arabia in more than two decades, in a move Carter described as "historical."

In this regard, Carter said: "We recognize the importance of being the first US airline to offer direct flights to Saudi Arabia in more than 20 years. After assessing market shifts and regional dynamics, we have become convinced that the current time is the most appropriate to enter the market."

He explained that the changes witnessed by Saudi Arabia over the past years and the rapid investments in new economic sectors have reinforced the company's decision, adding: "We are convinced that this is just the beginning for a unique country that focuses on investing in the fastest-growing sectors, such as artificial intelligence, technology, tourism, entertainment, and green energy."

Airbus A350 Aircraft

Delta will operate the Riyadh-Atlanta route with Airbus A350 aircraft, which is considered the flagship aircraft within its long-haul fleet, given the non-delivery of Boeing 787 aircraft in the near future and the unsuitability of Boeing 767 aircraft for the required range on this route.

Carter pointed out that the aircraft will offer the company's signature products, including Delta One suites and premium economy seating, alongside free Wi-Fi and seatback entertainment systems across all seats.

He added that the aircraft used are 20 to 25 percent more fuel-efficient compared to the aircraft they are replacing, supporting operational efficiency and reducing energy consumption.

He confirmed that the flights will include Arabic-speaking crew members, stating that the company was keen to retain Arabic-speaking staff to ensure a suitable experience for travelers from Saudi Arabia.

Peter Carter, President of Delta Air Lines

215 Destinations via Atlanta

Carter is betting on the location of Atlanta Airport as one of the largest global connecting hubs, explaining that travelers coming from Riyadh will be able to reach about 215 destinations inside and outside the United States through it.

He said that Delta's network will enable Saudi travelers to reach several cities in North America, Canada, Mexico, and South America, including destinations that are difficult to reach directly from the region.

He added: "Atlanta is not just a destination, but a connecting hub that allows easy access to hundreds of cities. This is an important factor for Saudi travelers, whether for business or tourism purposes."

Carter believes that the new route will also help introduce more Americans to Saudi Arabia, connect businesses operating between the two countries, and open new opportunities for investors and entrepreneurs.

Partnerships with "Saudia" and "Riyadh Air"

The Delta Air Lines president revealed the company's aspiration to strengthen its partnerships with both "Saudia" and "Riyadh Air", supporting the integration of flight networks inside and outside the Kingdom.

He explained that cooperation with the two carriers will allow Delta passengers arriving in Riyadh to continue their journeys via the networks of "Saudia" and "Riyadh Air", and reach the destinations served by both companies.

In turn, customers of the two Saudi carriers will be able to use Delta's network to reach various destinations within the United States, North America, Canada, Mexico, and South America.

He said that Delta shares with "Riyadh Air" an orientation towards providing a premium travel experience, while "Saudia" enjoys an established position as a high-quality carrier with a wide international network.

He added: "We are skilled at building partnerships with other airlines, and we are very excited to cooperate with both Riyadh Air and Saudia."

A 5-Year Outlook

Regarding the company's evaluation of market feasibility, Carter said that Delta does not make its decisions based on projections spanning six months or a year, but rather looks at markets with a five-year perspective.

He added that Saudi Arabia, with its population of nearly 35 million and an economic leadership focused on investment, openness, and income diversification, represents a great opportunity for the company to participate in the success of "Vision 2030."

He continued: "We do not evaluate the market through short-term conditions, but rather look at long-term structural transformations. Saudi Arabia has all the elements that make it a promising market for international aviation."

Owning a Private Refinery and Regional Tensions

Regarding rising fuel prices, Carter explained that the company deals with current developments as temporary and does not expect them to continue in the long term.

He pointed out that Delta's ownership of a private refinery provides it with a degree of protection against price fluctuations, allowing it to purchase fuel at lower costs than some competitors, alongside benefiting from a strong customer base and the ability to reallocate capacity toward more profitable routes.

He affirmed that fuel prices will not affect the launch date of the Riyadh flight, noting that the most important factor for any new route is safety and security.

He said: "Safety is our top priority, and everything we see confirms that the route is safe and can be operated, and we are excited to start flights on October 23."

Carter acknowledged that regional tensions have temporarily affected travel demand, but he expects this impact to be short-lived, stressing that the company does not see it as a threat to the route's long-term viability.

He added: "Demand may be slightly lower at the moment due to the conflict in the Middle East, but we view this as a temporary issue and not a long-term factor."

He also ruled out any aircraft delivery delays that would affect the operation of the route, confirming that the company is in continuous contact with aircraft manufacturers and does not expect any delays that would reflect on the launch date.

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