Riyadh Air Launches Dedicated Cargo Services, Expanding Saudi Arabia’s Aviation Ambitions
New cargo division marks a key milestone for the Kingdom’s newest airline as it builds a global logistics and connectivity hub
Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier, Riyadh Air, has formally launched its cargo services, marking a significant step in the airline’s rapid expansion and in the Kingdom’s broader strategy to position Riyadh as a leading global aviation and logistics hub.
The launch establishes Riyadh Air Cargo as a standalone division, designed to support international trade, e-commerce and supply chains as passenger operations prepare for full rollout.
The cargo operation will leverage the airline’s modern wide-body fleet and Riyadh’s geographic position at the crossroads of Asia, Europe and Africa.
Riyadh Air said the service is intended to provide fast, reliable freight connectivity between key global markets while complementing Saudi Arabia’s growing manufacturing, pharmaceutical and high-value goods sectors.
Initial operations will focus on belly-hold cargo capacity, with future expansion expected as the airline’s network and fleet scale up.
The move aligns closely with Saudi Arabia’s national transport and logistics strategy, which aims to make the Kingdom one of the world’s top logistics hubs by the end of the decade.
Officials have highlighted cargo aviation as a critical pillar of economic diversification, supporting non-oil growth, attracting foreign investment and strengthening global trade links.
Riyadh Air’s entry into the cargo market adds competition and capacity to a sector that has seen strong growth across the Gulf region.
Riyadh Air, backed by the Public Investment Fund, has positioned itself as a digitally native, premium airline built to international standards.
The launch of cargo services ahead of large-scale passenger flights reflects a phased growth strategy focused on revenue diversification and operational readiness.
Industry analysts say the early emphasis on cargo demonstrates confidence in global freight demand and reinforces Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become a central node in global air logistics.
The airline said further details on routes, partnerships and long-term cargo fleet planning would be announced as operations expand, with the cargo division expected to play a central role in supporting the Kingdom’s trade and connectivity goals.
The launch establishes Riyadh Air Cargo as a standalone division, designed to support international trade, e-commerce and supply chains as passenger operations prepare for full rollout.
The cargo operation will leverage the airline’s modern wide-body fleet and Riyadh’s geographic position at the crossroads of Asia, Europe and Africa.
Riyadh Air said the service is intended to provide fast, reliable freight connectivity between key global markets while complementing Saudi Arabia’s growing manufacturing, pharmaceutical and high-value goods sectors.
Initial operations will focus on belly-hold cargo capacity, with future expansion expected as the airline’s network and fleet scale up.
The move aligns closely with Saudi Arabia’s national transport and logistics strategy, which aims to make the Kingdom one of the world’s top logistics hubs by the end of the decade.
Officials have highlighted cargo aviation as a critical pillar of economic diversification, supporting non-oil growth, attracting foreign investment and strengthening global trade links.
Riyadh Air’s entry into the cargo market adds competition and capacity to a sector that has seen strong growth across the Gulf region.
Riyadh Air, backed by the Public Investment Fund, has positioned itself as a digitally native, premium airline built to international standards.
The launch of cargo services ahead of large-scale passenger flights reflects a phased growth strategy focused on revenue diversification and operational readiness.
Industry analysts say the early emphasis on cargo demonstrates confidence in global freight demand and reinforces Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become a central node in global air logistics.
The airline said further details on routes, partnerships and long-term cargo fleet planning would be announced as operations expand, with the cargo division expected to play a central role in supporting the Kingdom’s trade and connectivity goals.
