New Saudi Arabian airline Riyadh Air has selected SATS Saudia Arabia to provide cargo handling services at several airports across the country.
The five-year agreement includes cargo operations at the Riyadh Air hub at King Khalid International Airport (RUH), with further support at King Fahd International Airport (DMM) in Dammam and King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) in Jeddah.
Adam Boukadida, chief financial officer at Riyadh Air, said: “By leveraging SATS’ advanced cargo handling capabilities and global network, we are laying a strong foundation to build a world-class air cargo offering from day one."
Under the agreement, SATS Saudi Arabia will provide cargo handling services at its existing 60,000 sq m Riyadh (RUH) airfreight terminal, which boasts areas for pharmaceuticals, e-commerce, live animals, valuables, and dangerous goods.
"The hub management operations will include centralised cargo and security control centres for real-time operational oversight," SATS said in a press release.
"These operations will leverage SATS’ established hub management expertise, providing seamless coordination of cargo connections and serving as a focal point for routing shipments to their intended destinations across Riyadh Air’s growing global network.
"This integrated approach will enable Riyadh Air to launch a comprehensive suite of cargo products and services that position the airline for a strong competitive advantage in regional and global markets."
Set up by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), Riyadh Air was established in March 2023. The airline is hubbed at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and expects to begin commercial flights later this year.
The airline has invested in 39 Boeing widebody 787-9 Dreamliners with options for 33 more of the model.
