Riyadh Air, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier, has signed a five-year strategic agreement with SATS Saudi Arabia Company (SATS SA), a subsidiary of SATS Ltd, to deliver comprehensive cargo handling services across key airports in the Kingdom.
The partnership covers Riyadh Air’s primary hub at King Khalid International Airport (RUH), with additional operations at King Fahd International Airport (DMM) in Dammam and King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) in Jeddah.
Supporting Vision 2030 Cargo Growth
This partnership directly supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objective to handle 4.5 million tons of air cargo annually, positioning Riyadh as a premier regional logistics hub.
Adam Boukadida, CFO of Riyadh Air, said:
“This partnership with SATS Saudi Arabia marks a pivotal milestone in Riyadh Air’s journey to become a leading global carrier. 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. This collaboration enables us to deliver operational excellence, high-value logistics solutions, and strategic connectivity across key global trade lanes – directly supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 aspirations.”
Leveraging SATS’ Global Cargo Expertise
Bob Chi, CEO Gateway Services Asia Pacific, SATS Ltd, added:
“We are honoured that Riyadh Air has selected SATS as a trusted partner for its ambitious cargo growth journey. This partnership represents strategic alignment between Riyadh Air’s ambition to connect over 100 destinations globally by 2030 and our commitment to provide our customers with world-class air cargo solutions.”
Comprehensive Cargo Handling & Hub Management
Under the agreement, SATS Saudi Arabia will provide full-service cargo handling at its 60,000 sqm RUH airfreight terminal, featuring:
- Dedicated facilities for pharmaceuticals, e-commerce, live animals, valuables, and dangerous goods
- Centralised cargo and security control centres for real-time oversight
- Access to SATS’ global network of 225+ stations, supporting 250+ airline partners and freight forwarders
Hub management operations will leverage SATS’ proven expertise, ensuring seamless coordination of shipments across Riyadh Air’s rapidly expanding global network.
Driving Innovation Through Cargo Digitisation
Riyadh Air will benefit from SATS’ COSYS+ Next Generation Cargo Management System, enabling:
- Real-time shipment visibility
- Data-driven decision-making
- Automated truck dock management systems
- Enhanced operational efficiency through advanced digitisation
With scalable infrastructure and cutting-edge technology, the partnership equips Riyadh Air to launch a comprehensive suite of cargo products and services, securing a strong competitive advantage in regional and global markets.