Atletico Madrid’s iconic football stadium will now be named The Riyadh Air Metropolitano for the next 9 years after Riyadh Air secured the naming rights.
The partnership is aimed to boost the visibility and reach of Riyadh Air, which is set to launch in 2025, InshaAllah.
The new partnership aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 goals to attract 150 million tourists annually to the kingdom.
Introducing Riyadh Air Metropolitano
Riyadh Air securing the prestigious naming rights for Atletico Madrid’s iconic Metropolitano Stadium is a landmark agreement that underscores Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning influence in football.
This monumental deal, reportedly valued between $274 million and $328.8 million, solidifies the Saudi airline’s role as the new title sponsor of the renowned 70,460-seater venue, rebranding it as the “Riyadh Air Metropolitano” until the end of the 2032-33 season.
As Miguel Angel Gil, CEO of Atletico Madrid, eloquently expressed,
“We are all proud and very happy to announce the extension of the partnership signed then with the agreement whereby our stadium will be named Riyadh Air Metropolitano.”
Unveiling Ceremony of Riyadh Air Metropolitano
For Riyadh Air, a premium digital native airline owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) and set to commence operations in 2025, this partnership represents a significant step in elevating its global profile.
The unveiling of the newly branded “Riyadh Air Metropolitano” will take place on October 20, when Atletico Madrid hosts Leganes in their first official match at the rebranded stadium.
This momentous occasion will feature a formal unveiling ceremony, complete with updates to signage and branding throughout the facility, further cementing the partnership’s visibility and impact.
Elevating Fan Experiences
The partnership between Riyadh Air and Atletico Madrid extends beyond mere branding and financial considerations. It represents a shared vision of excellence, innovation, and a commitment to providing unparalleled experiences for fans and visitors.
This partnership between the two entities promises to elevate the fan experience at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, fostering an environment where cutting-edge technology and world-class sporting events converge to create unforgettable moments for spectators from around the globe.
As Tony Douglas aptly stated,
“Riyadh Air, whose commercial operations begin in the summer of 2025, and Atlético de Madrid share a passion for excellence, sustainability, and a clear commitment to technological innovation with the firm objective of improving the experience of our fans and all the visitors who come to our stadium every year to enjoy the top-level events that take place here.”
Strategic Deal by Atletico Madrid
For Atletico Madrid, one of Spain’s most successful and prestigious football clubs, this deal represents a significant financial boost as they grapple with substantial wage bills estimated at €136.4 million for the current season.
The injection of funds from Riyadh Air’s lucrative sponsorship will undoubtedly aid the club in maintaining its competitiveness and attracting top-tier talent, ensuring it remains a formidable force in domestic and international competitions.
Moreover, the Metropolitano Stadium itself holds a special place in the hearts of football fans worldwide, having hosted the 2019 Champions League Final between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur.
Saudi Arabia’s Growing Football Presence
This historic agreement between Riyadh Air and Atletico Madrid is part of a broader strategy by Saudi entities to increase their presence and influence in the global football landscape, particularly in Europe.
Earlier this year, La Liga, Spain’s top-flight football league, partnered with Riyadh Season, a Saudi-backed sports event entity, further solidifying the Kingdom’s commitment to the beautiful game.
Uniting Global Sportsmanship
As the world eagerly anticipates unveiling the newly branded stadium, one thing is sure: the Riyadh Air Metropolitano will serve as a beacon of excellence, innovation, and the enduring spirit of sportsmanship that transcends borders and unites nations.
More Riyadh Air Ventures
Riyadh Air’s Non Commercial Flights
Riyadh Air has begun Non Commercial Flights in preparation for its 2025 official debut.
Its inaugural flight, RX5001, traveled from Riyadh to Jeddah as part of the process to obtain its Air Operator Certificate.
By 2030, Riyadh Air intends to serve more than 100 destinations, connecting Riyadh globally. The airline aims to contribute $20 billion to Saudi Arabia’s non-oil GDP and create 200,000 jobs, supporting the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
Riyadh Air Partnership with Virgin Atlantic
Riyadh Air and Virgin Atlantic have signed a strategic agreement to boost travel and premium connections between London and Saudi Arabia.
The collaboration is set to bring several advantages, such as better customer service, new travel destinations, and loyalty perks.
Riyadh Air will begin operations in 2025 and support Saudi Vision 2030’s objective of expanding international tourism to Riyadh.
Riyadh Air Partnership with Noon Payments
Riyadh Air, scheduled to begin operations in 2025 Insha’Allah, has partnered with PIF-owned Noon Payments to improve digital payment services for its passengers, ensuring a secure and smooth travel experience.
This collaboration seeks to offer top-tier passenger services with various payment methods, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives.
FIFA Concacaf’s Official Airline Partner
Riyadh Air, due to begin operations in 2025, has been named FIFA’s Concacaf Official Airline Partner.
This long-term agreement will expand Riyadh Air’s global presence, offering travelers connections to football events throughout North and Central America.
By 2030, Riyadh Air aims to serve more than 100 destinations, aligning with the Riyadh Expo 2030.
This partnership comes after Riyadh Air’s earlier collaboration with the Athlético de Madrid football club.
Riyadh Air and Delta Airlines Partnership
Riyadh Air and Delta Air Lines have agreed on a Strategic Cooperation MoU to improve travel links between Saudi Arabia and the US with a planned codeshare agreement.
This collaboration is set to provide several advantages for travelers moving between North America and Saudi Arabia, and increase flight options between the two nations.
Riyadh Air is set to begin operations in 2025, helping Saudi Arabia meet its target of 300 million air passengers by 2030.
Partnership with Atletico Madrid
Riyadh Air has entered into a significant sports sponsorship agreement with the widely recognized Atletico Madrid Football Team.
This partnership aims to capitalize on Atletico Madrid’s widespread fame and global fan following to promote the Riyadh Air brand on a global scale and contribute to the Saudi Aa’s Vision 2030 objectives of boosting tourism in the country.
Riyadh Designers Uniform
Riyadh Air has ambitious plans to transform the airline sector by launching staff uniforms created by renowned designers.
More information on this can be expected in the upcoming year. CEO Tony Douglas guarantees groundbreaking developments, including a unique passenger experience, the removal of first class, and a premium economy that will surpass the business classes of its competitors.
Riyadh Air and Turkish Airlines Partnership
Riyadh Air and Turkish Airlines have signed an MoU to improve travel advantages for passengers traveling between Saudi Arabia and Türkiye.
This deal permits a code-sharing agreement and enables travelers to exchange loyalty points between the two airlines. Additionally, the deal allows for smooth connectivity through Istanbul Airport to over 130 destinations globally.
Riyadh Air and Lucid Air Partnership
Riyadh Air, entirely owned by the Public Investment Fund, has collaborated with Lucid Motors. In the announcement, Riyadh Air also showcased a striking double-livery design on two Lucid Air cars.
This alliance highlights their mutual dedication to pioneering and promoting sustainability in the realms of aviation and electric car manufacturing.
Riyadh Air Direct Flights To KSA
The CEO of Riyadh Air, Tony Douglas, has announced that their new airline in Saudi Arabia will primarily cater to the market of flights to and from the country. This is due to the Kingdom’s growing tourism industry, with plans to connect to over 100 destinations by 2030.
In contrast to regional giants such as Emirates and Qatar Airways, Riyadh Air aims to establish a strong local market presence rather than relying on transit passengers. This makes the airline a rising star in the Saudi Arabian sky.
Keep Reading: Riyadh Air Begins First Non Commercial Flights
