Riyadh Air and Mastercard Partner to Launch Next-Gen Travel Ecosystem

Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier, and Mastercard have announced a landmark strategic alliance. This partnership aims to build a comprehensive digital travel and payment ecosystem from the ground up. The collaboration will cover consumer payments, premium airport services, and B2B solutions. It is designed to position Saudi Arabia as a leading global travel hub.

A New Era of Seamless, Reward-Driven Travel

The alliance will introduce Riyadh Air-branded Mastercard credit and prepaid cards. These digital-first cards will launch in late 2026 for Saudi residents. Cardholders can earn flights, upgrades, and exclusive lifestyle rewards through everyday spending. All features will be managed seamlessly within the Riyadh Air mobile app.
This integrated system aims to create a smooth, digital journey for passengers. “We are creating an integrated digitally-native ecosystem that delivers value at every touchpoint,” said a Mastercard executive.

Modernizing Global B2B Travel Payments

In a global first for the airline industry, Riyadh Air will launch an airline-branded virtual card program. This program is designed for travel trade settlements with agents and partners worldwide. It promises improved payment efficiency, security, and financial reconciliation for intermediaries.

Co-Creating Future Innovation

To drive continuous innovation, the partners will establish a joint center of excellence. This hub will focus on designing, testing, and scaling new solutions. It will leverage disruptive technologies and real-world data to respond rapidly to market needs.