Virgin Atlantic deal set to boost US inbound tourism: ACP CEO

Majid Khan, CEO of Saudi Air Connectivity Program

The agreement with Virgin Atlantic will enhance Saudi Arabia’s connectivity and contribute to the growth of tourism coming from America to Saudi Arabia, Majid Khan, CEO of Saudi Air Connectivity Program (ACP), told Argaam.

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Khan explained that approximately 70% of flights to London are transit. The program aims to focus on key markets, including America.

He added that the ACP is concentrating on all potential carriers that could stimulate the aviation market in Saudi Arabia. The program is committed to covering the four main airports and secondary destinations such as mountain tourism and the Red Sea, each of which holds specific potential.

The program has several objectives for 2024 and 2030, the CEO noted, recognizing that some airlines may take a long time to make decisions.

According to data available on Argaam, Virgin Atlantic announced the launch of a series of daily flights between King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and Heathrow Airport in London, with the first flight scheduled for March 30, 2025.