How Riyadh Air's New 'Riyadh Cargo' Will Reshape Global Air Freight with 120+ Widebodies

Saudi Arabia's new national carrier, Riyadh Air, has officially launched its dedicated air freight division, Riyadh Cargo. This move marks the airline's formal entry into the competitive global air freight market. The cargo operation is designed as a core commercial pillar, leveraging the extensive belly-hold capacity of the airline's expanding widebody fleet.

Strategic Fleet and Operations

Riyadh Cargo's strategy centers on utilizing the capacity of its substantial aircraft order. The airline has over 120 widebody aircraft on order, including the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner and the Airbus A350-1000. This massive fleet will provide significant lift for the global air freight market.

The operation is anchored at its hub, King Khalid International Airport (RUH) in Riyadh. This hub position supports Saudi Arabia's ambitious Vision 2030 goal. The goal is to establish the Kingdom as a major global logistics and aviation hub.

Initial Operational Success

Riyadh Cargo has already demonstrated its capabilities in a live environment. Initial operations began on the Riyadh to London Heathrow (LHR) route. These early flights successfully transported substantial cargo volumes. Commodities included time-sensitive perishable shipments like fresh flowers and seafood. High-value goods, such as garments, textiles, tea, and coffee, were also moved reliably.

This phased approach allows the new division to test and refine its processes. It ensures operational discipline and long-term scalability.

Digitalization and Market Context

Digital capability is central to the Riyadh Air cargo business model. The division has implemented advanced digital cargo management systems. This includes centralized airwaybill control and enhanced data visibility. The airline partnered with CHAMP Cargosystems to deploy its Cargospot-neo platform. This technology enhances operational control and service reliability.

The Middle East Air Cargo Advantage

The launch is strategically timed to capitalize on regional trends. The Middle East air cargo market is currently outperforming global averages. The region acts as a crucial bridge for transshipment between Asia, Europe, and Africa.

• Global air cargo volumes are forecasted to grow by 2.6% in 2026, according to IATA.
• The Middle East and Africa region is seeing strong growth in e-commerce, pharmaceuticals, and high-value electronics.
• Regional hubs benefit from long-term infrastructure investment, supporting faster transshipment.

Riyadh Cargo faces the challenge of competing with established Gulf carriers. However, its significant fleet capacity and digital focus offer a strong competitive opportunity. The airline is positioned to support the Kingdom's economic diversification. It will leverage its new network to connect Riyadh with 100 destinations by 2030.

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