Riyadh Air Activates Riyadh Cargo on Passenger Routes Ahead of Network Expansion

This article reveals how Riyadh Air has quietly started moving cargo in passenger bellyholds as it ramps up for public flights and a large international network.

Riyadh Air’s cargo move: the essentials

Riyadh Air, the new carrier backed by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund PIF, has set up a dedicated cargo arm — branded as Riyadh Cargo — to handle goods transported in the lower deck of passenger aircraft. The airline has already deployed a leased Boeing 787-9 on daily rotations between Riyadh and London Heathrow, and those services are now carrying commercial shipments in the available belly space.

Management has indicated a threshold for ticket sales to the public, but in the meantime the airline is testing its cargo processes in a live environment. Orders on the books for the carrier exceed 120 aircraft, including 39 787-9s and 25 Airbus A350-1000 widebodies, giving it a long-term platform to scale both passenger and cargo capacity.

What kinds of goods are moving?

Operationally, Riyadh Cargo has begun transporting a variety of items that suit air freight’s speed advantage: textiles, fresh flowers, seafood, tea, and coffee. These are classic belly-cargo commodities — relatively high value, time-sensitive, and often destined for retail or foodservice chains in markets served by the airline.

Systems, partners and visibility

To support operations, Riyadh Cargo adopted a cargo management system from Champ’s, which centralizes airwaybill control and enhances shipment tracking and decision-making tools. Containers and unit load devices are fitted with tracking devices for real-time monitoring so customers can manage product flow more accurately.

On the ground, Riyadh Cargo contracted Singapore-based SATS to handle cargo transfers at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, with plans to extend support to Dammam 그리고 Jeddah. This mix of digital control and third-party handling is aimed at achieving both operational discipline and quick scalability.

Operational approach and philosophy

Pravin Singh, global head of cargo, emphasized a focus on operational discipline, reliability, and scalability. Launching cargo services within active passenger operations allows the team to iterate quickly — test, learn, and refine — while generating revenue and building customer confidence. It’s a pragmatic approach: get some skin in the game before the big network goes live.

I’ve seen similar plays before: airlines often use early passenger rotations to trial cargo systems, because the bellyhold is an efficient way to monetize otherwise unused capacity. It’s a bit like renting out spare rooms on a property before the whole building is finished — low risk, helpful feedback, and real cashflow.

Why this matters to logistics players

• Network leverage: As Riyadh Air aims for more than 100 destinations by 2030, belly capacity on long-haul routes can add meaningful intercontinental transport options.
• Supply chain speed: Time-sensitive goods — perishable and retail-bound — benefit from increased frequency and new point-to-point links from Riyadh.
• Competition and capacity: Even though Saudia is the flag carrier, a new entrant focused on both passenger experience and reliable cargo services expands available lift, which can drive pricing and service improvements.

Practical effects for shippers and forwarders

Forwarders and freight managers should watch how Riyadh Cargo prices belly capacity and integrates booking/visibility tools. Better tracking and centralized airwaybill control reduce the friction that often slows international shipments. For distributors and exporters — especially those in food, flowers, and fashion — a reliable Riyadh hub could shorten transit times and smooth inventory cycles in Europe, Asia, and beyond.

Risks, scale challenges, and the bigger picture

There are challenges: ramping up to a full global network requires manpower, slots, widebody aircraft in numbers, and a tight ground-handling footprint. Saudi Arabia’s push into tourism and logistics is part of a broader economic diversification strategy with heavy investment; Riyadh Air is one component in that playbook, not the whole story. Still, the carrier’s cargo capability is a logical complement to national ambitions in logistics and trade facilitation.

Key takeaways are straightforward: a new cargo arm operating inside passenger services is a fast way to build know-how and market presence; operational tech and partners like Champ’s and SATS are central to execution; and the potential to add international lift matters to supply chains that move perishable and time-sensitive goods.

Riyadh Cargo’s launch is interesting to logistics professionals because it demonstrates how modern airlines pair digital control with ground partners to deliver real visibility and reliability. On GetTransport.com, you can order your cargo transportation at the best prices globally at reasonable prices. This empowers shippers to make more confident decisions while avoiding unnecessary expense or disappointment. Provide a short forecast on how this news could impact the global logistics: the immediate global disruption is likely modest, but regionally it strengthens capacity and competitive options — and that’s still relevant to us, as GetTransport.com aims to stay abreast of all developments and keep pace with the changing world. For your next cargo transportation, consider the convenience and reliability of GetTransport.com.GetTransport.com

Summary: Riyadh Air has taken a sensible first step by opening Riyadh Cargo within passenger flights, using leased aircraft and belly capacity to move textiles, perishables, and other goods while testing systems and partners. The airline’s use of Champ’s for cargo management, trackers on containers, and cooperation with SATS on the ground show a focus on visibility and scalability. For logistics stakeholders — shippers, forwarders, and distributors — this development hints at more airlift options, faster transit for time-sensitive goods, and improved booking and tracking experiences. In short, it adds meaningful capacity to the market and gives businesses new choices for cargo, freight, shipment, delivery, transport, logistics, shipping, forwarding, dispatch, haulage, courier, distribution, moving, relocation, housemove, movers, parcel, pallet, container, bulky, international, global and reliable services. GetTransport.com aligns with these needs by offering efficient, cost-effective, and convenient transportation solutions to simplify shipping and meet diverse transport requirements.