About Saudia Cargo (SV / SVA)
The Powerhouse of the Skies: Unpacking Saudia Cargo (SV / SVA)
While Saudia (Saudi Arabian Airlines) is globally recognized for its passenger services, its dedicated freight arm, Saudia Cargo (SV / SVA), operates as a colossal and increasingly vital force in the international air freight industry. Since its establishment as a privatized entity in 2007, building on Saudia's long history of cargo operations, Saudia Cargo has transformed into a global logistics enabler.
Headquartered in Jeddah, Saudia Cargo leverages Saudi Arabia's strategic geographical position as a bridge between East and West. Its main hubs at King Abdulaziz International Airport (Jeddah) and King Khalid International Airport (Riyadh), along with its growing network in Dammam, serve as critical gateways for cargo moving across continents.
Saudia Cargo operates a robust fleet that combines dedicated freighter aircraft, including Boeing 747-400F and Boeing 777F models, with the vast belly-hold capacity of Saudia's extensive passenger fleet (over 140 aircraft). This dual approach allows them to offer immense capacity and flexibility, reaching over 70 freighter destinations and over 160 passenger destinations globally.
The range of cargo handled by Saudia Cargo is impressively diverse. They are specialists in transporting everything from general cargo and e-commerce shipments (a rapidly growing segment where they've made significant strides) to highly specialized goods requiring meticulous care. This includes pharmaceuticals (with "Constant Climate" solutions), perishables like flowers and fresh produce, live animals (including champion horses), and even oversized and dangerous goods. Their commitment to industry standards is evident in their IATA CEIV certifications, ensuring top-tier handling for sensitive products.
Saudia Cargo is not just about moving goods; it's about connecting global economies. They are a member of SkyTeam Cargo and continuously forge strategic partnerships, like the recent Global Cargo Joint Business with IAG Cargo and collaborations with e-commerce giants such as Cainiao Group. Their investment in digital transformation, including new e-booking platforms and API integrations like ONE Record, aims to streamline operations and enhance customer experience.
With record-breaking growth in cargo volume and tonnage in early 2024, driven by expansion into key markets like Asia and increased flights to destinations like Hong Kong, Saudia Cargo is a testament to Saudi Arabia's ambition to become a leading global logistics hub. They are a powerful, often unseen, engine driving international trade and supporting diverse industries worldwide.