Riyadh Air launches Riyadh Cargo as new Saudi carrier enters global air freight market

Riyadh Air has announced the launch of its cargo operations under the new brand Riyadh Cargo, marking the airline’s entry into the global air freight market and the activation of belly-hold cargo across its wide-body fleet.

The launch reflects a phased approach to building a scalable and integrated cargo business, anchored at Riyadh Air’s hub in the Saudi capital and designed to grow in line with the airline’s expanding passenger network and operational maturity.

Riyadh Cargo’s strategy includes utilising capacity across Riyadh Air’s more than 120 wide-body aircraft currently on order, enabling the airline to move goods efficiently and reliably while connecting global markets.

Riyadh Air launches Riyadh Cargo

Since recently commencing operations as part of the airline’s broader Pathway to Perfect process, Riyadh Cargo has recorded early operational momentum on the Riyadh–London Heathrow route.

The carrier has transported a wide range of commodities, including garments and textiles, fresh flowers, seafood, tea and coffee, demonstrating its ability to handle time-sensitive, perishable and high-value shipments.

Pravin Singh, Global Head of Cargo at Riyadh Air, said: “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.”

Digital-first cargo operations

Digital capability remains central to Riyadh Air’s operating model, with Riyadh Cargo integrating dedicated cargo management systems, centralised airwaybill control and enhanced data visibility.

The airline said these capabilities are designed to improve transparency, accelerate decision-making and maintain consistently high service levels, supported by round-the-clock access to airwaybill stock management.

In line with its digital-native approach, Riyadh Cargo has partnered with CHAMP to deploy Cargo spot-neo, a next-generation end-to-end cargo platform. The system is intended to deliver greater operational control, improved data visibility and more responsive decision-making as volumes and network complexity increase.

Cargo business

Cargo operations are further supported through a strategic investment in digitally tracked unit load devices.

Riyadh Air works with Unilode to manage lightweight, durable ULDs that offer real-time monitoring, improved visibility and stock optimisation, supporting more efficient and sustainable cargo movements, particularly during irregular operations.

On the ground, cargo handling and hub management are delivered in partnership with SATS Saudi Arabia Company.

Services are provided at major airports across the Kingdom, including:

• King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh
• King Fahd International Airport in Dammam
• King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah

These locations are supported by modern facilities, specialised handling zones and centralised hub management, enabling real-time oversight and smooth cargo connections.

Riyadh Cargo will also benefit from dedicated facilities and enhanced capabilities aimed at improving the overall customer experience.

Riyadh Air ambitions

As Riyadh Air advances its growth plans, with a total fleet exceeding 180 aircraft and a network expected to reach more than 100 destinations by 2030, the airline is forecast to contribute approximately $20bn to Saudi Arabia’s non-oil GDP and support more than 200,000 direct and indirect jobs globally.

The new cargo operator is positioned as a key enabler of this expansion, supporting the Kingdom’s ambition to establish itself as a leading global aviation and logistics hub.