Saudia Cargo has expanded its cargo network with the addition of Shanghai station to its flight schedules, which commenced on Aug. 15.
The national air freight carrier now operates two flights a week, Saturdays and Tuesdays, originating from Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport and Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport to the new destination using a Boeing 777 Freighter, which has a 95-ton capacity.
Saudi Cargo’s network expansion was in response to the growing demand for air cargo capacity, according to reports issued since last March.
Using charter flights booked by Saudia Cargo clients, the company has so far transported over 2 million kg of medical and pharmaceutical supplies required in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, in addition to millions of other lifesaving supplies needed at the height of the disease outbreak.
Saudia Cargo CEO Omar Hariri said the company took proactive and practical steps to ensure the continuity of cargo operations to the Kingdom through nonstop charter flights despite the challenges posed by the spread of the coronavirus.
The company, he added, operated 29 unscheduled all-cargo flights from Shanghai International Airport to the Kingdom to meet the growing demand for cargo.
“Saudia Cargo’s high-level flexible schedules enabled it to respond swiftly to the increasing demand for cargo during the suspension of flights. We enhanced the charter flight services while our teams conducted an in-depth analysis of markets and order rates, which helped in the decision-making process for the network,” said Hariri. He expressed gratitude to the dedicated Saudia Cargo teams who performed their jobs despite the virus threat.
In July, Saudia Cargo operated more than 1,500 flights, of which 500 used passenger aircraft dedicated for international cargo operations. This was part of the company’s efforts to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.
Saudia Cargo transported 75,000 tons of vital shipments, including medical and PPE equipment, to the Kingdom from March to June, in support of the Kingdom’s efforts to curb the virus.
The company has taken numerous precautionary measures since the emergence of the virus to ensure that cargo and logistics operations continue smoothly and efficiently. It increased the number of flights covering many global destinations and markets in the Middle East, Europe, Africa, Asia and the US and for carrying all goods needed for economic and commercial activity inside the Kingdom. Saudia Cargo adheres to strict preventive measures to ensure the safety of its staff, the company said.
Being strategically located in Saudi Arabia, the multiple award-winning company is uniquely positioned to provide a bridge between the East and West via its hubs, giving it increased flexibility to use its capacity efficiently and move the cargo with minimal ground handling time.
