The feasibility of joint ventures for saudia in the context of Saudi Arabia's ongoing economic transformation

This study explores the feasibility of international airline joint ventures for Saudia within the context of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 economic transformation. While joint ventures are well established in liberalized aviation markets, their adoption in semi liberalized, policy driven environments remain under examined. Drawing on transaction cost economics, the resource-based view and network theory, the research investigates how regulatory conditions, organizational capability and cultural factors shape joint venture potential. A qualitative, exploratory case study was conducted using seven elite semi structured interviews with airline executives, policymakers, consultants and academics. Interview transcripts were deductively coded against eight themes identified from the literature: strategic fit, regulatory and policy environment, operational considerations, partnership design and models, cultural and institutional factors, risks and challenges, strategic motivations and benefits, and overall market readiness. Findings show that joint ventures could deliver substantial advantages for Saudia including expanded international market access, revenue optimization, accelerated organizational learning and enhanced brand credibility while directly supporting Vision 2030 objectives in tourism, connectivity and economic diversification. Yet significant constraints remain open skies agreements and antitrust immunity are incomplete; operational and cultural readiness varies across functions; and the emergence of Riyadh Air creates both competition and uncertainty for prospective partners. Experts therefore advocate a phased, non-equity approach beginning with codeshare or limited metal neutral arrangements while internal reforms and external liberalization continue. The study extends alliance theory to an emerging market context and offers practical guidance for Saudia and policymakers seeking to balance national transformation goals with the demands of global airline partnerships.