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Freighter deal supports Saudi logistics push
Saudia Group has signed an agreement with Boeing to add four Boeing 777-200 Freighters to its fleet, strengthening dedicated air cargo capacity as Saudi Arabia works to expand its role as a global logistics hub under Vision 2030.
The agreement was signed in Jeddah on July 6, with the first aircraft scheduled for delivery in the fourth quarter of 2026. Once deployed, the freighters will support Saudia Cargo’s network across four continents and add capacity on key international trade routes.
For shippers, the move is straightforward: more freighter space means more options for moving time-sensitive goods, e-commerce, industrial cargo and exports through Saudi Arabia.
Network reach across 4 continents
Saudia Group said the aircraft will improve Saudia Cargo’s operational flexibility and strengthen links between the Kingdom and major commercial and industrial centres worldwide.
H.E. Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, said the agreement supports the group’s long-term growth strategy and its wider aviation ecosystem.
“By expanding our dedicated freighter capacity, we are enabling Saudia Cargo to meet growing global demand, enhance connectivity across key international markets, and contribute to Saudi Arabia’s ambition of becoming a leading global logistics hub,” he said.
He added that the aircraft will support national exports and cross-border commerce, two areas that are becoming increasingly important as Saudi Arabia invests in logistics infrastructure and international trade connectivity.
Boeing partnership continues
The agreement was signed by Saleh Eid, Vice President of Fleet Management at Saudia Group, Engr. Loay Mashabi, Chief Executive Officer of Saudia Cargo, and Asaad AlJomoai, President of Boeing Saudi Arabia.
Omar Arekat, Vice President of Commercial Sales and Marketing for the Middle East at Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said the order reflects the 777 Freighter’s performance and flexibility.
“The agreement strengthens our longstanding partnership with Saudia Group, which has spanned over 75 years, and we look forward to further supporting their cargo growth initiatives,” Arekat said.
The Boeing 777 Freighter is widely used on long-haul cargo routes where payload, range and reliability matter. In practical terms, it gives carriers the ability to move large volumes between distant markets without relying only on bellyhold space in passenger aircraft.
Cargo momentum builds
Saudia Cargo has reported strong recent activity across its network. During 2024 and 2025, the company transported more than 1.15 million tons of cargo while recording growth in revenues, national exports and cross-border e-commerce.
The carrier also maintained an on-time performance rate above 90%, according to Saudia Group. For cargo customers, that figure matters because reliability is often as important as capacity. A freighter delayed at the wrong point in the supply chain can have the same effect as a missing link in a conveyor belt.
The new aircraft are expected to give Saudia Cargo more control over schedules and route planning, particularly on lanes where demand is growing and where dedicated capacity is needed.
Vision 2030 logistics strategy
The investment fits into Saudi Arabia’s wider ambition to become a logistics bridge between East and West. Air cargo is one part of that plan, alongside ports, free zones, airports, road corridors and digital trade systems.
For project freight, breakbulk and industrial shippers, the development is worth watching. A stronger Saudi air cargo network could improve options for moving high-value parts, urgent equipment and export cargo between the Gulf, Asia, Europe, Africa and North America.
The first delivery in late 2026 will be the next operational marker.
