Riyadh Air Launches Dedicated Freighter Division Riyadh Cargo

Dhaka: Riyadh-based new Saudi Arabian flag carrier Riyadh Air has launched its dedicated freighter division,“Riyadh Cargo,” with an announcement on Wednesday, January 21.

The airline described the new unit as a core pillar of its commercial strategy as it seeks to position the Saudi capital as a strategic global logistics hub, leveraging its growing wide-body passenger network.

Riyadh Cargo will initially focus on belly-hold freight operations across Riyadh Air's planned fleet of 122 wide-body aircraft, enabling cargo capacity to scale in parallel with passenger network expansion.

According to the carrier, the launch reflects a phased and disciplined approach to building an integrated cargo business anchored at the airline's Riyadh hub, with a focus on long-term operational maturity.

Riyadh Air said the cargo division has already demonstrated operational momentum on the Riyadh–London Heathrow route, where it has successfully transported significant volumes across a broad range of commodities.

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

As part of its cargo strategy, Riyadh Air has partnered with CHAMPS to deploy Cargospot neo, a next-generation end-to-end digital cargo management platform. The airline said the system will enhance data visibility, improve operational control, and support responsive decision-making as volumes and network complexity increase.

Ground handling and hub management for Riyadh Cargo will be delivered in partnership with SATS Saudi Arabia Company. The cargo division will operate at key Saudi airports, including King Khalid International Airport (KKIA) in Riyadh, King Fahd International Airport (KFIA) in Dammam, and King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA) in Jeddah.

Riyadh Air said the integration of cargo operations from an early stage will allow the airline to build a resilient and competitive logistics offering alongside its passenger services.

The new Saudi Arabian flag carrier is advancing towards its ambitious plan of operating flights to over 100 destinations with a fleet of more than 180 modern, fuel-efficient aircraft by 2030. The airline expects to contribute approximately USD 20 billion to Saudi Arabia's non-oil GDP and support more than 200,000 direct and indirect jobs globally.

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