DUBAI, June 4 (Reuters) - Riyadh Air has partnered with

Singapore Airlines and Air China as the

Saudi startup carrier grows its potential network ahead of

launching commercial operations next year, the airlines said on

Tuesday.

Riyadh Air, which is owned by Saudi sovereign wealth fund

PIF, will be a second national airline, based in the capital

Riyadh, alongside existing flag carrier Saudia, which is based

in Jeddah.

Riyadh Air is trying to build its network through a series

of bilateral partnerships and code shares rather than relying

purely on its own planes, or joining a formal airline alliance.

CEO Tony Douglas told Reuters Riyadh Air is seeking

codeshare partners among a number of significant carriers around

the world.

State-owned flag carrier Air China recently started flights

to Riyadh from Beijing, amid warming ties between the two

countries. Potential cooperation between the airlines could

include interline traffic and codeshares, a statement said.

The partnership with major Asian carrier Singapore Airlines

could see work on interline services, code shares, frequent

flyer programs and cargo services, the statement also said.

Riyadh Air last year signed a cooperation agreement with

Turkish Airlines, one of the biggest carriers in the world.