Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) has announced the launch of a new independent entity within the Saudia Group which will act as the main cargo gate and ground handling and logistics services hub across the Saudi airports.

It will be operational from January 2020.

The national airline of Saudi Arabia said in a statement that the Saudi Arabian Logistics (SAL) Co. — launched December 16 — is part of the Vision 2030 of the Kingdom, a gigantic economic transformation that will diversify Saudi's oil-dependent economy.

Saudi as global logistics hub 

“SAL aims to provide integrated logistics operations and ground handling services. It acts as a link between land and sea shipping and the Saudi airports in line with the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program,” Omar Talal Hariri, SAL CEO, said in a statement.

He noted that the new independent logistics entity will also improve the quality of logistics operations and support the Kingdom’s vision towards transforming the country into a global logistics hub handling all types of cargo and shipping operations.

SAL received 151 GACAR licenses from the General Authority of Civil Aviation, which qualifies SAL to officially provide ground-handling services at King Khalid International Airport’s cargo station. 

Saudia noted that one of the SAL strategic goals is to invest in the Kingdom’s strategic location as the heart and the crossroads of key international trade routes between three continents: Asia, Europe and Africa and a distinctive logistical getaway between the East and the West and all over the world.

Sami Sindi, Saudia director-general, said SAL will improve the efficiency of logistics operations and ground handling services through integrating land and sea transportation operations and linking them with the Saudi airports in order to enhance logistical services across all stages.

“SAL will contribute directly to enhancing and developing the logistics infrastructure including all types of cargo platforms, warehouses and equipment as well as e-commerce cargo and shipping facilities,” he said.