Saudia Cargo is on track to rank among the world’s top 10 air cargo carriers by 2030, driven by fleet modernization, network expansion, and digital transformation.

Hashim Alsharif, Saudia Cargo’s vice president of strategy and business development, said Saudi Arabia’s airfreight flag carrier is taking a multi-pronged approach to its Top 10 goal, with a focus on sustainable and profitable growth.

“Our ambition to become a top 10 global cargo carrier by 2030 is firmly on track. We are consistently moving up the ranks through strategic investments and operational enhancements,” Alsharif told Asia Cargo News. “The latest update involves significant progress in fleet modernization, network expansion and digital transformation, all of which are key pillars of our growth strategy.” 

He said that fleet modernization is a priority for the carrier, with the integration of new, fuel-efficient Boeing 777 freighters.

Network expansion is another key focus, with the recent launch of new freighter routes from Liège Airport (LGG) to Saudi Arabia and from Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport (CGO) to Liège.  

Alsharif noted that these routes are strategically designed to enhance Saudia Cargo’s global network and support the rapid growth of ecommerce and trade between Asia and Europe. 

“We are also investing heavily in digital transformation, as demonstrated by our landmark ONE Record integration with Worldwide Flight Services (WFS) and CHAMP Cargo systems, accelerating digital transformation in air cargo and enhancing transparency and real-time visibility for all stakeholders,” he said.

“Most importantly, we continuously focused on strengthening our partnerships with global logistics players to create a seamless and integrated supply chain. These strategic investments are designed to enhance our competitiveness and drive sustainable growth. 

Currently, China is Saudi Arabia’s largest trading partner, as reflected in its recent memorandum of understanding with China Cargo Airlines to expand cooperation and support growing trade between the two countries. The partnership is intended to improve export operations, streamline logistics and strengthen supply chain reliability. 

Alsharif said that, as Saudi Arabia’s primary merchandise trading partner, with exports reaching SR16.1 billion (US$4.3 billion) in 2023, China accounts for 17% of the Kingdom’s total exports, highlighting the increasing importance of the trade corridor.  

“While China is a key market, Europe remains significant, and we are actively expanding in Africa and other emerging markets,” Alsharif told Asia Cargo News. 

The carrier serves a diverse range of sectors, handling significant volumes of ecommerce, high-value shipments, pharmaceuticals, and general cargo, verticals that it sees as growth drivers in its push to reach its Top 10 goal. 

Saudia Cargo is particularly focused on expanding its ecommerce and pharmaceutical business, leveraging its cold chain logisticsexpertise and strategic partnerships with e-commerce platforms. 

“Several key growth drivers will support our ambition to become a Top 10 global cargo carrier. The continued growth of ecommerce, particularly in emerging markets, will drive demand for air cargo services. The increasing demand for pharmaceuticals and other temperature-sensitive goods will also increase growth,” Alsharif said, adding that the expansion of global trade and the increasing interconnectedness of supply chains will create new opportunities for air cargo carriers. We are also seeing strong growth in niche markets, such as the transportation of live animals and fashion cargo.” 

Meanwhile, Saudia Cargo is leveraging Saudi Arabia’s strategic location to strengthen its position among the world’s leading cargo carriers. 

“Saudia Cargo’s competitive advantages stem from the Kingdom’s strategic location connecting East and West, our deep understanding of the Middle Eastern market, and our commitment to innovation,” Alsharif said. “Investments in digital technologies enhance efficiency and reliability, while our strong brand and customer service set us apart. We also benefit from Vision 2030 investments in infrastructure.” 

He added that another key differentiator is the carrier’s focus on local partnerships, including support for Red Sea Global’s giga projects, connecting Red Sea Airport to more than 800 destinations, and partnering with AlUla for specialized cultural artifact logistics. 

“These initiatives underscore our commitment to innovation and meeting diverse client needs,” Alsharif said. 

Looking ahead, Alsharif cautioned that escalating global trade tensions could have short-term impacts but remained optimistic about the carrier’s long-term prospects. 

“The current geopolitical tensions and escalating trade disputes are creating uncertainty in the global air cargo market,” Alsharif said. He noted that while Saudia Cargo has seen “some impact” on cargo volumes, the carrier is navigating the challenges through diversification and agility. 

“We are actively exploring new markets and adjusting our capacity to meet changing demand patterns,” he added, noting that the carrier is also working closely with its customers to mitigate the impact of trade challenges on their supply chains. 

“While these challenges may present short-term headwinds, we remain confident in our long-term growth prospects and our ability to achieve our Top 10 ambition,” Alsharif said. “We believe that our strategic investments, strong partnerships and our commitment to innovation will enable us to navigate these challenges and emerge stronger.” 

In 2024, Saudia Cargo transported 577,870 tons of cargo, a 27% increase in total weight and a 13% rise from 2023. The carrier operated 193,599 flights, up 6% year-over-year. Ecommerce shipments grew 23% to 64,107 tons, while high-value shipments accounted for 54% of total revenue. 

Saudia Cargo also moved 13,740 tons of locally produced goods, a 14% increase from the previous year.