MIDDLE EAST F AIR CARG O WEEK


RIYADH AIR BUILDS A GATEWAY FOR GLOBAL TRADE


BY Edward HARDY


S 12


“Our aim is to grow in a way that customers can rely on consistently.”


audi Arabia’s Vision 2030 has sparked widespread investment in infrastructure, trade facilitation, and logistics, creating opportunities not just for airlines but for the entire supply chain ecosystem. Seeking to build on this, Riyadh Air has outlined an approach to build a cargo business that customers can trust.


“There’s always room for quality,” Pravin Singh, Global Head of Cargo at


Riyadh Air, said. “We want to be perceived as a business that has created a strong, scalable foundation. Trust has to be earned, and our cautious rollout ensures we get it right every single time. It’s about setting standards from the outset so that as we grow, our customers can have confidence in every shipment. We are deliberately building reliability into every process, and that starts with having the right people, the right partners, and the right operational philosophy.” The airline started cargo operations in November last year with a gradual,


confidence-building approach. Initial services focused on general cargo and a limited temperature-controlled offering, designed to test processes, build customer trust, and establish operational reliability. “We chose SATs as our handler in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Amman because of


their industry-leading expertise and dedicated facilities,” he explained. “This partnership allows us to provide a consistent, high-quality service from day one. We spent time designing workflows, integrating technology, and aligning with our partners to ensure operational excellence. The goal was never just to start quickly, but to start correctly, providing a foundation that could scale as demand grows. Early feedback from customers has validated this approach and shown that reliability creates competitive advantage in the market.” By carefully layering infrastructure, handling capability, and technology,


Riyadh Air is building a system that can scale as demand grows. Early results indicate strong market acceptance, suggesting that the focus on quality over rapid expansion is paying off. “Our aim is to grow in a way that customers can rely on consistently. It’s


not about speed; it’s about building a system that works every single time. We want every shipment to arrive on schedule, every process to function smoothly, and every customer interaction to reinforce trust. Scaling too quickly without this foundation would risk our reputation and the confidence we are building. We measure success by reliability, and that is what guides every operational decision we make,” Singh added.


Integrating technology into operations Digital innovation is central to Riyadh Air’s cargo strategy. The airline has been designed as digitally native, integrating automation and AI tools to give customers more control over their shipments while providing transparency at every stage. “Our investments in digital capability allow us to be effective while keeping


operations uncomplicated,” Singh stated. “Customers will be able to self-serve, track shipments, and exercise flexibility, which enhances both confidence and operational efficiency. Digital systems also allow us to monitor performance in real time, anticipate bottlenecks, and respond proactively rather than reactively. This isn’t just about efficiency—it’s about building trust into every step of the supply chain. Technology enables us to make complex logistics simple, seamless, and reliable for customers across multiple markets.” This approach demonstrates that modern cargo logistics is as much about operational intelligence as it is about physical capacity. By embedding


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control and visibility into every stage of the workflow, Riyadh Air is creating a repeatable, scalable model that delivers consistent performance across multiple markets. “Technology is not just a tool for efficiency—it’s how we maintain trust


and control across the network,” he noted. “Every shipment benefits from this visibility, and our customers can make decisions based on real-time data. We are integrating AI and automation to ensure transparency, reduce errors, and provide flexibility in managing cargo flows. This allows us to respond quickly to changing conditions and maintain service standards that our customers rely on. Ultimately, technology enables us to scale without sacrificing quality or reliability.”


Capitalising on Vision 2030 Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is a macroeconomic tailwind that enhances Riyadh Air’s opportunity. Massive investment


in transport infrastructure, trade


corridors, and logistics ecosystems is generating demand both into and out of the Kingdom, while Riyadh’s central geographic location allows it to serve Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Indian subcontinent effectively. “Demand is coming in every direction,” Singh observed.


“Our location,


coupled with the capabilities we are building, allows us to scale and create a climate for trans-shipping freight. Vision 2030 is not just a slogan—it is reshaping infrastructure, trade corridors, and economic activity in ways that benefit air cargo. We are leveraging these investments to establish Riyadh as a logistics hub that meets international standards. It’s about combining national momentum with operational discipline to create a gateway that is reliable, efficient, and globally relevant.” This broader strategic alignment positions Riyadh as more than a regional


logistics centre—it is a gateway for global commerce, designed to capture opportunity created by national policy and infrastructure growth. “Vision 2030 creates real conditions for us to expand responsibly and


consistently,” he expressed. “The investments, the policies, and the focus on diversification give us the environment to execute our strategy with confidence. We can build our network, integrate technology, and scale operations knowing that the infrastructure and market demand are aligned with our ambitions. It’s a unique moment for Saudi Arabia, and we are determined to make Riyadh a hub that sets a global standard.”


Building a modern ecosystem Riyadh Air Cargo is positioned not merely as a transporter of goods but as a gateway for trade in the Middle East. The airline’s long-term strategy combines scalable infrastructure, digital oversight, and carefully chosen operational partners. By integrating these elements, the airline is able to provide reliability, flexibility, and transparency across its network—qualities that are increasingly valued in global logistics. “The goal is for customers to select us not just because of what we can


transport, but because of what we represent,” Singh explained. “Reliability, innovation, and standards that are consistently applied are central to our value proposition. Every partner, every technology investment, and every operational process is aligned to deliver a system our customers can trust. We are building a network where consistency and transparency are embedded at every level. This approach differentiates us and creates long-term relationships with customers who know that we deliver on our promises.”


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