Saudi Arabian Logistics (SAL) has launched its operations at the Model Cargo Village at King Khalid International Airport (KKIA) after it relocated its services to the new facility in April.

During the launch — done via a webinar — Omar Hariri,  SAL CEO said Saudi Arabia pushed with the development despite the challenges brought by the COVID-19 outbreak. 

SAL’s operations at KKIA offers general and specialized handling services for cold chain goods, perishables, medicine, cars and hazardous materials including express and airmail as well as e-commerce shipments.

The facility runs on an area of 42,000 square meters and includes a 20,000 square meters warehousing with an area of 6,600 square meters for exported goods, 6,500 square meters for e-commerce and 5,200 square meters for cold storage shipments.

The capacity of the entire facility reaches 450 thousand tons a year. The handling operations are performed through 16 loading dock and the facility has been equipped with state-of-the-art technology.

Hariri noted that new cargo facilities in Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport will also be ready this September with a total area of 131,000 square meters of which 65,000 square meters will be dedicated to warehouses.

The facilities will help enhance the flow of cargo to and through the Kingdom and make the country a global logistics hub.

The Minister of Transport noted the vital role of the cargo services and operations providing foodstuffs, medical supplies and essential goods.

The new project is expected to handle all types of cargo and help transform Saudi Arabia into a global logistics center.

Meanwhile, the launch was attended by Abdulhadi Al-Mansouri, the president of General Authority of Civil Aviation; Sami Sindi, director general of Saudi Arabian Airlines Corporation; Fawaz Al-Fawaz, chairman of SAL; Mohammad Abunayyan, executive board member of SAL; and Mohammed Al Maghlouth, chief executive of Riyadh Airports Company.