Saudia Cargo and China Henan Aviation (CHAGC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish an air logistics bridge between Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, Europe, and Africa, leveraging Zhengzhou and Riyadh as key interconnected hubs. 

The MoU outlines a comprehensive framework for collaboration, encompassing route development, including launching and scaling cargo flights between Zhengzhou and Riyadh.

It also includes a dual hub strategy, positioning Zhengzhou and Riyadh as strategic hubs to interconnect Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, Europe, and Africa, optimising cargo flow and reducing transit times. 

Furthermore, the collaboration will focus on cargo and logistics innovation, enhancing digital cargo operations, cross-border e-commerce, and sustainability initiatives to drive efficiency and reduce environmental impact.

 [Source: Saudia Cargo]

Saudia said the partnership will also support airport economic zone cooperation, facilitating the integration of bonded logistics, free trade zones, and airside industries to drive trade growth and attract investment.

Key aspects also include regulatory alignment, technical and financial cooperation, and exploring investment opportunities in high-tech and aviation-related sectors in Zhengzhou.

"This MoU with CHAGC marks a significant step in Saudia Cargo's strategic expansion and our commitment to supporting Saudi Vision 2030. By establishing a strong air logistics bridge between Zhengzhou and Riyadh, we will unlock new opportunities for trade, facilitate the growth of e-commerce, and strengthen our position as a leading global cargo carrier," said
Eng. Loay Mashabi, CEO and managing director of Saudia Cargo.

"We are confident that this partnership will drive innovation, enhance efficiency, and deliver exceptional value to our customers," he added.

Zhang Mingchao, chairman of the China Henan Aviation Group (CHAGC), noted that Saudi Arabia offers extensive cooperation potential in aviation and the low-altitude economy.

"With China Henan Aviation Group's progressively integrated aviation industrial chain, we can develop diverse collaborative models. Building on Saudia Cargo's Zhengzhou-Riyadh all-cargo route launch, our newly signed 'Dual Hub' Strategic MoU opens comprehensive strategic cooperation."

Mingchao added that China Henan Aviation Group will strengthen collaboration with Saudia Cargo to enhance the Zhengzhou-Riyadh 'Air Silk Road' under both nations' civil aviation authorities' guidance.

"This will strengthen air route support for bilateral trade also advance cooperation in flight simulation systems、aviation training、 aircraft leasing and etc.," the Henan Aviation chief added.

Saudia Cargo, headquartered in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, has an extensive reach encompassing approximately 100 airport destinations and 250 customer destinations across four continents.

China Henan Aviation Group, meanwhile, serves as one of the main builders of China's "Air Silk Road". The business covers eight major sectors: aviation investment, airport operations, air cargo transport, air passenger transport, low-altitude economy, aviation services, maintenance and manufacturing, and aviation infrastructure.

The group holds a 35% stake in Cargolux and owns China's fifth-largest dedicated cargo airport, Henan's only locally based all-cargo airline, the largest flight simulator training centre in Central China and the country's largest general aviation fleet with the most extensive operational coverage.