Riyadh Air introduces next-gen cards and global virtual payments to transform travel
Global-first virtual card programme enhances B2B payments for travel trade
DUBAI – Riyadh Air and Mastercard have announced a strategic global partnership set to redefine the travel experience for consumers and businesses alike.
The collaboration, spanning enterprise, brand, consumer and guest experience, aims to develop innovative payment solutions and services that integrate seamlessly into the Riyadh Air ecosystem.
With no legacy programs constraining the airline, Riyadh Air is uniquely positioned to create a digital-native financial ecosystem from the ground up, promising a new era of travel convenience and rewards.
Seamless, reward-driven travel
The partnership will introduce Riyadh Air-branded Mastercard credit and prepaid cards, designed to reward cardholders with flights, upgrades, lifestyle perks and exclusive experiences. Set to launch in Saudi Arabia in late 2026, these digital-first cards will be fully integrated into the Riyadh Air mobile app, allowing users to apply, activate, manage features and track rewards in a single platform.
“This partnership reflects Mastercard’s role in creating meaningful solutions, paving the way for smart, secure and seamless payments,” said Dr. Dimitrios Dosis, President, Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa, Mastercard. “Together with Riyadh Air, we are creating an integrated digitally-native ecosystem that delivers value at every touchpoint – for guests, travel agents, airlines and hospitality partners – while reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s role as a global travel hub.”
Adam Boukadida, Chief Financial Officer of Riyadh Air, added, “Our deep collaboration with Mastercard clearly reflects not only our commitment to be a digital native airline but strong confidence in our future trajectory. It allows us to build a travel experience that is seamless, digital and distinctly differentiated. This collaboration enables us to deliver exceptional journeys for our guests around the world.”
Modernising travel trade
Riyadh Air is also pioneering global-first B2B solutions with the launch of an airline-branded virtual card programme for travel trade settlements. The platform streamlines payments for travel intermediaries worldwide, offering improved efficiency, security and reconciliation while unlocking new growth opportunities across the travel value chain. This innovative approach positions Riyadh Air as a leader in transforming how the travel industry conducts business transactions.
Co-creating innovation
To foster ongoing innovation, the two partners will establish a joint centre of excellence. This dedicated hub will focus on designing, testing and scaling new travel solutions, leveraging disruptive technologies and real-world use cases. By focusing on shared data insights, agentic innovation and upskilling the next generation of talent, the centre will enable rapid responses to evolving market demands.
Saudi Arabia’s travel ambitions
With growing passenger traffic and increased global interest in Saudi Arabia, the partnership aligns with the Kingdom’s ambition to emerge as a leading international travel hub. Economic diversification, infrastructure investment and world-class tourism projects are driving demand for seamless, reward-based travel experiences. Mastercard’s Travel Trends Report 2025 highlights Riyadh’s surge in passenger volumes, reflecting the Kingdom’s accelerating prominence in global business and leisure travel.
Riyadh Air, launched in March 2023 and owned by the Public Investment Fund, operates a digitally led, full-service fleet with advanced safety, sustainability and in-flight technology. By 2030, the airline plans to connect guests to over 100 destinations worldwide, offering authentic Saudi hospitality alongside next-generation digital experiences.
Mastercard, operating in over 200 countries, powers secure, smart and accessible digital payments. Through this alliance, the two companies aim to deliver a new benchmark for integrated travel experiences, connecting consumer payments, premium airport services, and business travel solutions under one innovative ecosystem.