Riyadh Air has announced the launch of its cargo operations under the brand Riyadh Cargo, marking the airline’s entry into the air cargo market and activation of belly-hold cargo operations across its wide-body fleet.
Riyadh Cargo’s strategy includes utilisation of capacity on Riyadh Air’s over 120 on-order wide-body aircraft to move goods and connect markets.
The launch reflects a phased approach to building a cargo business, anchored at the airline’s Riyadh hub, and designed to grow alongside network expansion and operations.
Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Air announces cargo division launch with 120-aircraft fleet
Since beginning operations as part of the airline’s Pathway to Perfect process, Riyadh Cargo has transported cargo volumes on the Riyadh to London Heathrow route across commodities including garments and textiles, flowers, seafood, tea, and coffee.
“Riyadh Cargo has been built with a clear focus on operational discipline, reliability, and long-term scalability. Launching within a live environment allows us to test, learn, and continuously refine how we operate, while delivering real value to our customers from the get-go. The launch of the brand is a foundational step in building a cargo business that grows alongside our network expansion and supports Saudi Arabia’s broader logistics ambitions,” Pravin Singh, Global Head of Cargo at Riyadh Air said in a statement.
Riyadh Cargo has integrated cargo management systems, centralised airwaybill control, and data visibility to improve transparency, accelerate decision-making, and maintain service levels. Centralised functionality includes management of airwaybill stock with access available round the clock.
Riyadh Cargo has partnered with CHAMPS’s Cargo spot-neo, a cargo platform. The system enables control, data visibility, and decision-making to support service as volumes and network complexity expand.
New Riyadh Cargo brand targets global logistics market with digital platform
Cargo operations are supported by investment in digitally tracked unit load devices (ULDs). Riyadh Air works with Unilode to manage and digitally track ULDs.
These assets improve visibility, enable monitoring and stock optimisation, and support cargo movements, particularly during operations that deviate from schedule.
Cargo handling and hub management are delivered in partnership with SATS Saudi Arabia Company, on ground. Services are provided at airports across the Kingdom, including King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, and King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah.
These locations are supported by facilities, handling zones and hub management, enabling oversight and cargo connections. Riyadh Cargo will benefit from facilities and capabilities designed to elevate the customer experience.
With Riyadh Air’s advancements, through its existing fleet size of more than 180 aircraft and a network expected to reach over 100 destinations by 2030, the airline is expected to contribute approximately $20 billion to Saudi Arabia’s non-oil GDP and support more than 200,000 jobs.
