Riyadh Air signs five-year partnership with SATS Saudi Arabia to strengthen cargo operations
Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier, has entered a five-year strategic partnership with SATS Saudi Arabia—a subsidiary of Singapore-based SATS Ltd.—to strengthen cargo operations across key Saudi airports, supporting the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goal of handling 4.5 million tons of air cargo annually.
Strengthening cargo operations across key hubs
The partnership will focus on Riyadh Air’s central hub at King Khalid International Airport (RUH), with additional support at King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) in Jeddah and King Fahd International Airport (DMM) in Dammam. SATS Saudi Arabia will manage comprehensive cargo services, introduce advanced hub management capabilities, and help establish Riyadh as a leading regional cargo gateway.
“This partnership is a major milestone for Riyadh Air,” said Adam Boukadida, CFO of Riyadh Air. “It enables us to offer a world-class cargo experience from day one, supporting Vision 2030’s logistics ambitions through operational excellence and global connectivity.”
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Bob Chi, CEO of Gateway Services Asia Pacific at SATS Ltd., added: “This collaboration aligns Riyadh Air’s global expansion goals with SATS’ mission to deliver top-tier air cargo solutions across key markets.”
Cutting-edge technology and global reach
At the core of the partnership is SATS’ 60,000 sqm airfreight terminal in Riyadh, equipped with specialized zones for pharmaceuticals, e-commerce, live animals, high-value cargo, and hazardous goods. Riyadh Air will gain immediate access to SATS’ global network of 225+ stations, working with over 250 airlines and major freight forwarders.
The hub will integrate SATS’ COSYS+ Next Generation Cargo Management System, enabling real-time tracking, data-driven decision-making, and operational efficiency. Features such as automated truck dock management and centralized cargo/security control centers will further optimize performance.
Strategic timing amid rising global demand
The partnership arrives as global air cargo volumes climb amid rising e-commerce and supply chain diversification. According to IATA, global air cargo will reach 69 million tons in 2025, a 0.6% increase from 2024, though slightly below earlier projections.
Saudi Arabia is strategically positioned between Asia, Africa, and Europe, giving Riyadh Air a competitive edge in global cargo logistics. The Kingdom's air cargo throughput rose 34% in 2024, exceeding 1.2 million tons, with its top three airports—RUH, JED, and DMM—handling the majority.
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Cargo growth tied to national aviation expansion
Riyadh Air is part of a broader national push to make Saudi Arabia a global logistics hub. The Kingdom’s four major airports (Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, and Madinah) accounted for 82% of all national air traffic in 2024. During the Hajj season (May 9 – July 21) alone, 1.5 million international pilgrims entered the country—representing 40% of international arrivals during that period.
According to OAG, the Jeddah–Riyadh route was the fastest-growing domestic air route in 2024. Internationally, the Cairo–Jeddah route ranked second globally with 5.5 million seats, while Dubai–Riyadh retained its position as the 6th busiest international route, growing 8% from 2023 and 37% from 2019.
This strategic collaboration positions Riyadh Air to play a pivotal role in shaping Saudi Arabia’s logistics future—expanding capacity, improving efficiency, and strengthening the Kingdom’s global air cargo competitiveness.
Source: Economy Middle East
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