Saudia and Garuda Indonesia have signed a Joint Business Framework Agreement, advancing a strategic partnership aimed at deeper network integration between the two carriers, Saudia said in a statement.

The agreement was signed by Saudia Group Director General Engr Ibrahim Al-Omar and Garuda Indonesia President and CEO Glenny Kairupan, in the presence of Saudi Ambassador to Indonesia Faisal bin Abdullah Al-Amoudi on Thursday, according to the statement.

The deal builds on a memorandum of understanding announced by the two airlines in July 2026. With the framework agreement now signed, Saudia and Garuda Indonesia will begin seeking regulatory approval and continue negotiating the remaining agreements needed before a planned Joint Business launch in 2027, the statement said.

The two carriers said the planned Joint Business would create a wider travel corridor linking Indonesia and Australia with Saudi Arabia, the Middle East, Europe and Africa. Their combined networks currently span more than 120 destinations across these regions, with room to expand through new routes and direct flights, according to the statement.

Saudia said the partnership is expected to give passengers greater flexibility through full fare combinability and joint commercial initiatives, along with closer cooperation on frequent flyer programmes, technology and airport services. Both airlines said they were placing particular emphasis on improving connectivity for Hajj and Umrah travellers from Indonesia.

"The signing of this agreement marks an important step forward in our partnership with Garuda Indonesia," Al-Omar said in the statement. "By bringing together the strength and reach of our networks, we are creating broader opportunities for travel across more than 120 destinations spanning Indonesia, Australia, Saudi Arabia, the Middle East, Europe and Africa."

He added that as the partnership expands, the focus would also be on making travel between the two networks "easier and more seamless," particularly for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims travelling from Indonesia to Saudi Arabia.

Kairupan said the agreement reflected the continued development of the partnership. "Garuda Indonesia's extensive domestic and Australia network provides a strong platform to connect more of Indonesia with key international markets, while Saudia's global reach opens broader access across Saudi Arabia, the Middle East, Europe and Africa," he said, adding that the tie-up was about combining the two carriers' networks and commercial capabilities to give customers "greater choice, better access, and a more seamless travel experience."

Kairupan said that as the airlines move toward the Joint Business, closer alignment on network planning, commercial activities and customer touchpoints—including possible terminal co-location—would help both carriers strengthen their market presence and support long-term growth.

Source: PR