By: Logistics Middle east

Riyadh Air has entered into a five-year strategic partnership with SATS Saudi Arabia, a subsidiary of Singapore-based SATS Ltd, to deliver comprehensive cargo handling services across key airports in the Kingdom.

Under the deal, SATS SA will develop advanced hub management capabilities for Riyadh Air, positioning the capital as a leading regional cargo hub.

Building a cargo hub in Riyadh

The agreement anchors operations at Riyadh Air’s primary hub at King Khalid International Airport (RUH) and extends to King Fahd International Airport in Dammam (DMM) and King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah (JED). 

The partnership directly supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objective of handling 4.5 million tonnes of air cargo annually.

Adam Boukadida, Chief Financial Officer at Riyadh Air, described the agreement as transformative for the airline’s cargo ambitions.

“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,” he said.

Bob Chi, CEO of Gateway Services Asia Pacific at SATS Ltd, echoed this view, calling the collaboration a strategic alignment of ambitions.

“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,” he said.

State-of-the-art facilities

SATS SA will provide dedicated cargo handling services at its existing 60,000 sqm airfreight terminal in Riyadh.

The facility includes specialised zones for pharmaceuticals, e-commerce, live animals, valuables, and dangerous goods.

Through the partnership, Riyadh Air gains immediate access to SATS’ global network of more than 225 stations, supported by over 250 airline partners and leading freight forwarders.

Operations will be coordinated through centralised cargo and security control centres, providing real-time oversight and seamless coordination of shipments across Riyadh Air’s planned global network.

The partnership will also integrate SATS’ proprietary COSYS+ Next Generation Cargo Management System, delivering real-time tracking and data-driven decision-making. Enhanced cargo digitisation technology and automated truck dock management systems will further improve efficiency.