Riyadh Cargo Launches as the Freighter Division of Riyadh Air

Riyadh Cargo has officially launched as the dedicated freighter division of Riyadh Air, marking the commencement of belly-hold cargo flights within its expansive fleet of 122 wide-body aircraft.

On January 21, 2026, Riyadh Air characterized the introduction of this new freighter service as a vital component of its commercial strategies. The airline aims to position the capital of Saudi Arabia as a pivotal global logistics center.

“The establishment of our brand reflects a planned, step-by-step strategy to create a scalable and integrated cargo business anchored at our Riyadh hub. It’s designed to develop hand-in-hand with network growth and operational maturity,” noted a spokesperson for Riyadh Air.

Operational progress has already been evidenced on the Riyadh to London-Heathrow (LHR) route, where Riyadh Cargo has effectively transported significant volumes of diverse commodities.

“Riyadh Cargo is constructed with a strong emphasis on operational discipline, reliability, and long-term scalability. Launching within a live environment allows us to test and adapt our operations while providing immediate value to our customers,” shared Pravin Singh, the Global Head of Cargo at Riyadh Air.

نفخر بالإعلان عن إطلاق “الرياض للشحن” في خطوة تمثل دخولنا رسميًا إلى سوق الشحن الجوي العالمي 📦
وذلك ضمن نهج تدريجي ومدروس لبناء أعمال شحن متكاملة وقابلة للتوسع، مدعومة بأسطولنا عريض البدن، انطلاقًا من مركزنا الرئيسي في الرياض.

— Riyadh Air | طيران الرياض (@RiyadhAir) January 21, 2026

He further emphasized, “The brand launch is a foundational milestone in developing a cargo business that evolves alongside our network and contributes to Saudi Arabia’s wider logistics goals.”

To facilitate its cargo operations, Riyadh Air has partnered with CHAMPS’s Cargo spot-neo, an advanced cargo end-to-end management platform.

“This digital management system enhances operational efficiency, improves data visibility, and enables timely decision-making, thereby supporting service reliability as both volume and network complexity grow,” highlighted the airline spokesperson.

For ground operations, cargo handling and hub management are conducted in collaboration with SATS Saudi Arabia Company.

Key services are available at major airports throughout Saudi Arabia, including King Khalid International Airport (RUH) in Riyadh, King Fahd International Airport (DMM) in Dammam, and King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) in Jeddah.

Have you been following the developments in Riyadh’s logistics sector? What do you think about the potential impact of Riyadh Cargo?