Saudia Cargo keeps riding the wave of success

Saudi Arabia’s largest cargo airline carried 577,870 tons of cargo in 2024, representing a 27% growth in transported weight and a 13% increase compared to 2023. The share of e-commerce shipments amounted to 23%, which translates into 64,000 tons. And this segment continues to grow very strongly. 

Loay Mashabi, CEO and MD of Saudia Cargo: “Our goal is to belong to the world’s top ten air cargo carriers by 2030.” – Courtesy: Saudia Cargo

In addition to these bold figures, however, is the fact that high-value shipments including hi-tech electronics, pharmaceuticals, jewelry, works of art, bank notes and similar commodities, accounted for 54% of total revenues. To ensure the safe transportation of these items, a rigorous and seamless security regime must be in place from source to destination. This also includes well-constructed packaging materials such as multi-walled corrugated boxes capable of withstanding the rigors of shipping, handled and taken care of by professional personnel.

SkyTeam contributed to the upswing
Commenting on the year’s figures, Loay Mashabi, CEO and Managing Director of Saudia Cargo, stated: “Our 2024 results reflect our steadfast dedication to delivering innovative and agile cargo solutions that drive global trade and adapt to market dynamics. We remain focused on growth, strengthening partnerships, and providing advanced solutions that drive success for our customers. By prioritizing sustainability and operational excellence, we are steadily progressing toward our goal of ranking among the world’s top 10 air cargo carriers by 2030.”

Remarkable customer satisfaction
As Saudia Cargo points out, its membership of the SkyTeam Cargo Alliance has also contributed to the positive results. The SkyTeam Cargo club offers customers the world’s largest freight network and its eight airline members, handling options at 60 shared warehouses. Soon, however, SkyTeam Cargo will lose ITA Cargo since its parent, ITA Airways recently joined the rivalling Lufthansa Group, into which it will be integrated.

Another important aspect in 2024, from Sudia Cargo’s perspective, was the fact that the carrier managed to enhance its digital offerings by 10%, launched a specialized e-portal, and improved communication channels. Further to this, it raised customer satisfaction to 47 points and achieved a cybersecurity rating from the Saudi Arabian National Cybersecurity Authority of 81.8%.

“Life Uninterrupted”
Looking ahead, Saudia Cargo will expand its fleet with next-generation aircraft, adopt sustainable transportation methods, and invest in AI-driven digital infrastructure to enhance tracking and efficiency, the carrier has announced. This is complemented by initiatives to advance automated cargo handling systems, reduce costs, and implement eco-friendly logistics. It will continue to leverage Saudi Arabia’s strategic location. Saudia Cargo remains committed to driving economic growth and achieving the country’s official “Vision 2030”, guided by its promise ‘Life Uninterrupted’, the press release states.

Riyadh Air ante portas
Further developments are likely to be exciting. This is because Saudia is facing competition from Riyadh Air. The newcomer, based in Saudi Arabia’s capital, Riyadh, has recently ordered 60 Airbus A321 neo and signed 38 purchase agreements for the Boeing 787-9, including 33 options for this long-haul Boeing variant. Partnership agreements have been signed with Delta, EGYPTAIR, Singapore Airlines, Virgin, Air China and China Eastern. Commercial flights are scheduled to begin in 2025. Last week, Riyadh Air received an operational certificate from the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) for its very first Boeing 787-9 RX7000 full-flight simulator. Management announced plans to serve 100+ global destinations come 2030.

Besides the breathtaking growth of Air India and IndiGo there is probably no airline with more ambitious goals now. Whether this also applies to the air freight business of the Arab newcomer is unknown. There is nothing about the role of cargo on the newcomer’s website or in its press releases.

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