The Air Connectivity Program (ACP) of Saudi Arabia has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with beOnd to explore the operation of direct air routes connecting the Red Sea destination with six major European cities. The agreement was announced during the Kingdom’s participation at the Farnborough International Airshow 2026, held in London from July 20 to 24, 2026, under the patronage of Eng. Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, Chairman of the Executive Committee of the ACP.
Context and Background
The MoU aims to enhance tourism flows and expand travel options by establishing direct all-premium services between cities such as London, Paris, Moscow, Milan, Munich, Zurich, and the Red Sea International Airport (RSI). This initiative aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader objectives of strengthening air connectivity with priority international markets and positioning the Kingdom as a global tourism hub.
Key Details
Eng. Abdulaziz Al-Duailej emphasized that the partnership reflects the ACP’s ongoing efforts to expand Saudi Arabia’s air connectivity network through strategic collaborations with international airlines. He highlighted that these new routes will facilitate access for travelers from key European markets, stimulate tourism growth, and provide direct travel options that meet the highest standards.
Ahmed Albrahim, CEO of ACP, described the partnership as a milestone in the program’s mission to attract international airline partners and launch strategic routes connecting Saudi Arabia with priority global markets. He noted that the collaboration with beOnd supports sustainable air connectivity solutions for emerging tourism destinations like the Red Sea.
John Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Global, stated that the agreement builds on the success of beOnd’s Milan route, demonstrating strong demand for direct premium access to the Red Sea. He added that expanding the European network will make Saudi destinations more accessible to travelers from key source markets.
Implications and Impact
Abdullah Al-Hagbani, Acting CEO of the Saudi Tourism Authority, emphasized the importance of air connectivity in driving tourism growth and enhancing destination competitiveness. He noted that the MoU represents integrated efforts between the tourism and aviation sectors to broaden access to Saudi Arabia’s unique destinations, particularly the Red Sea.
Tero Taskila, CEO and Chairman of beOnd, expressed his commitment to supporting Saudi Arabia’s aviation and tourism ambitions, calling the MoU a significant milestone in the airline’s long-term partnership with the Kingdom.
Vision 2030 Alignment
This initiative directly supports Saudi Vision 2030’s goals of diversifying the economy and enhancing the Kingdom’s global competitiveness in tourism. By strengthening air connectivity and attracting international visitors, Saudi Arabia is advancing its position as a world-class tourism destination and fostering long-term economic growth.
20 Questions
Q1. What is the Air Connectivity Program (ACP)?
A1. The ACP is a Saudi initiative aimed at expanding the Kingdom’s air connectivity network to support tourism and economic growth.
Q2. Who signed the MoU on behalf of the ACP?
A2. The MoU was signed under the patronage of Eng. Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, Chairman of the Executive Committee of the ACP.
Q3. What is the goal of the MoU?
A3. The MoU aims to explore direct air routes connecting the Red Sea destination with six major European cities.
Q4. Which European cities are included in the agreement?
A4. The cities include London, Paris, Moscow, Milan, Munich, and Zurich.
Q5. What is the significance of the Red Sea International Airport (RSI)?
A5. RSI is a key gateway to Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea destination, facilitating tourism and economic growth.
Q6. How does this initiative align with Saudi Vision 2030?
A6. It supports Vision 2030’s goals of diversifying the economy and enhancing Saudi Arabia’s global tourism competitiveness.
Q7. Who is the CEO of the ACP?
A7. The CEO of the ACP is Ahmed Albrahim.
Q8. What role does beOnd play in this partnership?
A8. beOnd is an international airline collaborating with the ACP to operate direct premium routes to Saudi Arabia.
Q9. What did John Pagano say about the agreement?
A9. John Pagano stated that the agreement builds on the success of beOnd’s Milan route and expands the European network.
Q10. How will this initiative impact tourism in Saudi Arabia?
A10. It will stimulate tourism growth by making Saudi destinations more accessible to European travelers.
Q11. What is the Saudi Tourism Authority’s role in this initiative?
A11. The Saudi Tourism Authority works to enhance destination competitiveness and drive tourism growth.
Q12. Who is the Acting CEO of the Saudi Tourism Authority?
A12. Abdullah Al-Hagbani is the Acting CEO of the Saudi Tourism Authority.
Q13. What did Tero Taskila say about the MoU?
A13. Tero Taskila called the MoU a significant milestone in beOnd’s partnership with Saudi Arabia.
Q14. How does this initiative support sustainable tourism?
A14. It promotes sustainable air connectivity solutions for emerging tourism destinations like the Red Sea.
Q15. What is the Farnborough International Airshow?
A15. It is a global aviation event where industry leaders showcase innovations and partnerships.
Q16. When was the MoU signed?
A16. The MoU was signed during the Farnborough International Airshow 2026, held from July 20 to 24.
Q17. What is the Red Sea destination?
A17. The Red Sea destination is a major tourism project in Saudi Arabia, offering unique experiences and attractions.
Q18. How will this initiative benefit European travelers?
A18. It will provide direct premium travel options to Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea destination.
Q19. What is the role of Red Sea Global?
A19. Red Sea Global is the developer behind the Red Sea destination, driving its growth and accessibility.
Q20. How does this initiative contribute to Saudi Arabia’s economic development?
A20. It attracts international tourists, stimulates tourism growth, and creates long-term economic value.
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