Saudi Airlines Cargo
Saudi Airlines Cargo is the national air cargo carrier of Saudi Arabia, operating 10 dedicated freighters and 140+ belly cargo aircraft serving freight forwarders, pharmaceutical companies, e-commerce entities, and government clients across 90+ direct destinations and 800+ via SkyTeam alliance.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1940
- HeadquartersJeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Headcount1,001–5,000
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Saudi Airlines Cargo does
Saudi Airlines Cargo Company Ltd. (SACC), operating under the brand "Saudia Cargo," is the national air cargo carrier of Saudi Arabia, headquartered in Jeddah with a European hub in Liege and a regional headquarters in Hong Kong through its 2025 joint venture Saudia Cargo Global. The company operates a dual-fleet model comprising 10 dedicated freighter aircraft (B747-400ERF, B777-F, B747-400BCF, A330-300P2F with 103–115 ton payloads) and 140+ belly cargo aircraft operating on passenger routes across the Saudia network, serving 90+ direct destinations and accessing 800+ destinations through the SkyTeam Cargo alliance. Its product portfolio spans Charter Solutions, Courier Solutions, Mail Solutions, Horse Solutions, SkyTeam General, SkyTeam Express, and SkyTeam Specialized (covering pharma, perishables, dangerous goods, and valuable cargo), with advanced cold chain infrastructure including vacuum cooling and refrigerated dollies. Digital services include the Connect customer portal, real-time AWB tracking, e-booking via Champ Aero, and barcode generation, all hosted on Microsoft Azure Tier 3 infrastructure with ISO/IEC 27001 certification.
The company monetizes through transaction-based fees on air cargo transportation (per shipment by weight, volume, service level, and destination), freighter charter services, and premium handling for specialized cargo. Go-to-market combines direct enterprise sales to freight forwarders, logistics providers, governments, couriers, and e-commerce entities with channel distribution through the Cargo.one platform and strategic alliances. Customer segments include freight forwarders (primary), pharmaceutical companies (primary), e-commerce entities (primary), animal transporters, regional governments, valuable cargo shippers, and Saudi exporters. Pricing is quote-based and largely undisclosed, with notable exceptions including up to 50% discounts on pharmaceutical shipments under the SFDA partnership and special rates for the Madinah region under the Tibah partnership. The company holds IATA CEIV Pharma, CEIV Fresh, and CEIV Lithium Batteries certifications alongside six ISO certifications, creating a regulatory moat for sensitive cargo handling. In 2025, Saudia Cargo transported 573,000 tonnes across approximately 4,000 flights, achieved an NPS of 57, maintained on-time performance above 90%, and secured partnerships with Cainiao, China Cargo Airlines, Henan Group, TAM Group, and ASL Aviation, alongside government partnerships with SFDA, ZATCA, Mawani, Tibah Airports, and Saudi Exports aligned with Saudi Vision 2030 objectives.
Saudi Airlines Cargo firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Saudi Airlines Cargo
- Legal name
- Saudi Airlines Cargo Company Ltd.
- Website
- https://saudiacargo.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1940
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1,001–5,000 employees
- Short description
- Saudi Airlines Cargo is the national air cargo carrier of Saudi Arabia, operating 10 dedicated freighters and 140+ belly cargo aircraft serving freight forwarders, pharmaceutical companies, e-commerce entities, and government clients across 90+ direct destinations and 800+ via SkyTeam alliance.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Saudi Airlines Cargo industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Air Cargo Services
- NAICS
- Scheduled Freight Air Transportation (481112), Nonscheduled Chartered Freight Air Transportation (481212), Scheduled Air Transportation (48111)
- SIC
- Air Transportation, Scheduled (4512), Air Transportation, Nonscheduled (4522), Air Courier Services (4513)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Scheduled Air Cargo Airlines (All-Cargo Carriers) (THABAEAA)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Belly-Cargo Operators (Passenger Airline Freight Divisions) (THABAEAE), General Cargo Air Freight Carriers (Scheduled & Charter) (TLADAAAA), Air Cargo Capacity Providers (Belly Cargo Operators) (TLADAAAO)
Keywords
Where Saudi Airlines Cargo is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Jeddah
- HQ country
- Saudi Arabia
- HQ region
- Middle East
Offices4 records
Markets served
Saudi Airlines Cargo business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Operations, Infrastructure, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain
Revenue model
- Air Cargo Transportation Services: Core revenue from transporting cargo via belly cargo on passenger aircraft and dedicated freighter aircraft. Services include general cargo, specialized cargo (pharma, perishables, dangerous goods), express, horse transport, mail, courier, and charter solutions. Revenue is generated per shipment based on weight, volume, service level, and destination.
- Freighter Charter Services: Dedicated cargo charter services using specialized aircraft including B747-400ERF, B777-F, B747-400BCF, and A330-300P2F freighter aircraft with payload capacities ranging from 103 to 115 tons.
- Specialized Cargo Handling: Premium handling services for specialized cargo including pharmaceuticals, live animals, and valuable cargo, leveraging CEIV certifications and advanced cold chain capabilities.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Transaction based/ take rate | Pay-as-you-go | Standard pharmaceutical shipping rates with SFDA partnership discount |
| Transaction based/ take rate | Pay-as-you-go | Special shipping rates for Madinah region |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels7 records
Saudi Airlines Cargo product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Saudi Airlines Cargo (Saudia Cargo) is the national air cargo carrier of Saudi Arabia, operating a dual fleet of 10 dedicated freighter aircraft (B747-400ERF, B747-400BCF, B777-F, A330-300P2F) and 140+ belly cargo aircraft. The company transports general cargo, specialized cargo (pharmaceuticals, perishables, live animals, dangerous goods, valuable cargo), courier, mail, horse transport, and charter solutions across more than 90 destinations globally, with SkyTeam Cargo alliance expanding reach to nearly 800 destinations across 160 countries.
Product overview
Saudi Airlines Cargo is the national air cargo carrier of Saudi Arabia operating a dual fleet of 10 dedicated freighter aircraft (B747-400ERF, B747-400BCF, B777-F, A330-300P2F) and 140+ belly cargo aircraft serving 90+ destinations globally. The product portfolio comprises three tiers of core cargo services: Charter Solutions (full aircraft booking) and specialized transport offerings (Courier, Mail, Horse, SkyTeam Specialized) for sensitive cargo categories; SkyTeam General for standard cargo; and SkyTeam Express for time-critical expedited shipments. Digital services include Track Shipment (real-time AWB tracking), E-Booking (via Champ Aero), Generate Barcode, Invoice Verification, and the Connect customer self-service portal. The company positions itself as a global logistics enabler connecting East and West through its strategic Saudi hub, supported by SkyTeam Cargo alliance membership and partnerships with Cainiao, China Cargo Airlines, and Cargo.one.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Saudia Cargo Global: Joint venture entity with TAM Group headquartered in Hong Kong, established to enhance Saudia Cargo's presence in Asian markets.
Products and services
- Charter Solutions Full aircraft charter service using specialized cargo aircraft (B747-400ERF, B777-F, B747-400BCF, A330-300P2F) with payload capacities from 103 to 115 tons, offering nose and side-door configurations for specialized cargo handling needs. Targeted at customers requiring dedicated aircraft capacity.
- Courier Solutions Dedicated express service for courier companies providing speed, efficiency, and flexibility with seamless journey and quick transfer to more than 200 locations across the network. Designed for time-sensitive courier shipments.
- Mail Solutions Airmail transportation service ensuring 24-hour domestic and 48-hour international delivery, with specialist handling facilities installed in hubs and dedicated manifests for each flight. Targeted at postal and mail operators.
- Horse Solutions Specialized transport service for thoroughbred horses using premium-certified containers, climate-controlled cargo zones, and qualified loadmasters ensuring animal comfort and safety. Targets horse owners, trainers, and racing organizations.
- SkyTeam General General cargo shipping accommodating all types of cargo shipments with standard drop-off and recovery times, covering entire belly and freighter network with 24/7 online shipment tracking. Targeted at standard commercial cargo shippers.
- SkyTeam Express Expedited shipping solution for urgent shipments connecting to nearly 800 destinations across 160 countries via the SkyTeam alliance, with Express Regular and Express Heavy options supporting up to 100 kg total shipment weight. Targeted at time-critical shippers.
- SkyTeam Specialized Specialized cargo handling including pharmaceutical (CEIV Pharma), perishable goods (CEIV Fresh), lithium batteries (CEIV Lithium Batteries), live animals, valuable cargo, and dangerous goods. Designed for customers transporting sensitive, regulated, or high-value shipments.
- Belly Cargo Cargo transported in the belly (cargo hold) of passenger aircraft, supplementing dedicated freighter operations across the 140+ belly cargo aircraft network. Targeted at general freight forwarders and shippers.
- Connect Customer Portal Customer self-service portal providing flight schedule availability checking, transaction history, and shipment tracking (AWB tracking) capabilities along with proactive problem-solving services for missed or late shipments. Targeted at enterprise cargo customers.
- Track Shipment Real-time shipment status tracking system enabling customers to retrieve current cargo status by entering AWB (Air Waybill) number. Targeted at cargo customers needing shipment visibility.
- E-Booking Online booking platform for cargo shipments accessible through external Champ Aero system (ebooking.champ.aero), enabling customers to make cargo bookings using airline ID SV. Targeted at freight forwarders and shippers requiring digital booking.
- Generate Barcode Digital service for generating shipping barcodes for cargo shipments. Targeted at shippers needing labeling for their consignments.
Quantifiable outcome
- 573,000 tonnes transported in 2025 across ~4,000 flights
- +5 more outcomes
Companies that use Saudi Airlines Cargo
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments7 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Saudi Airlines Cargo technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration8 records
Feature5 records
Saudi Airlines Cargo partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
22 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Tibah Airports Operation CompanycoreMoU to enhance operational capabilities of Madinah Airport for air cargo, including special shipping rates and incentive programs.
- SFDA (Saudi Food and Drug Authority)coreStrategic initiative to enhance supply chains for pharmaceutical shipments and medical supplies, including price reduction of up to 50% on shipping costs.
- Mawani (Saudi Ports Authority)coreExpanded strategic collaboration to introduce sea to air logistics routes linking western ports to airports, starting with Jeddah Islamic Port.
- ZATCA (Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority)corePartnership enabling integrated transit framework allowing cargo to move under single customs declaration with pre-clearance capabilities and smart inspection controls.
- Saudi Exports (Saudi Export Development Authority)coreMoU to support competitiveness of local products, enhance global market access, and empower 'Saudi Made' program through logistics solutions.
- China Cargo AirlinescoreDirect cooperation agreement to enhance connectivity between Asia and Europe, supporting logistics routes via the company's hub network.
- Henan GroupcorePartnership to enhance connectivity between Asia and Europe via Zhengzhou and Riyadh, strengthening trade corridors.
- TAM GroupcoreJoint venture partner for 'Saudia Cargo Global' entity headquartered in Hong Kong, enhancing national carrier's presence in Asian market.
- ASL AviationcoreStrategic agreement for lease of two modern Airbus A330-300F freighter aircraft scheduled for delivery and operation in 2026 to support logistics network.
- Saudi Tourism AuthorityminorPartnership to support national development initiatives.
- Al-Ahsa Development AuthorityminorPartnership to support regional development initiatives.
- CainiaocoreE-commerce logistics services agreement signed in 2021 to strengthen the e-commerce link between East and West, facilitating cross-border shipping solutions.
- SkyTeam Cargo AlliancecoreGlobal cargo alliance with 12 member airlines, providing additional capacity, destinations, and connectivity across 800+ destinations in 160 countries. The world's only global cargo alliance.
- American Airlines IncminorAffiliated business partner for service delivery when shipment extends beyond direct operational scope.
- Air FranceminorAffiliated business partner for extended service delivery capabilities.
- Royal Air MarocminorAffiliated business partner for extended service delivery capabilities.
- Cathay Pacific Airways LtdminorAffiliated business partner for extended service delivery capabilities.
- Korean AirlinesminorAffiliated business partner for extended service delivery capabilities.
- Malaysia AirlinesminorAffiliated business partner for extended service delivery capabilities.
- China Eastern AirlinesminorAffiliated business partner for extended service delivery capabilities.
- Astral AviationminorAffiliated business partner for extended service delivery capabilities.
- Sky Capital AirlinesminorAffiliated business partner for extended service delivery capabilities.
Scale indicators10 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Saudi Airlines Cargo competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Emirates SkyCargo: Direct regional competitor and fellow Gulf-based national air cargo carrier. Operates a similar model of belly cargo on a large passenger fleet plus dedicated freighters, with CEIV certifications and a global network hubbed through Dubai.
- Qatar Airways Cargo: Closest like-for-like Gulf rival operated as a national carrier with hub-and-spoke cargo model, dedicated freighter fleet, and CEIV Pharma/Fresh certifications targeting the same Europe-Asia lane via Doha.
- Etihad Cargo: UAE national carrier cargo division competing for the same East-West transshipment flows through Abu Dhabi, with overlapping freighter and belly cargo model and pharmaceutical handling capabilities.
- Turkish Cargo: National carrier cargo division of Turkish Airlines, operating one of the largest dedicated freighter fleets globally and competing for Europe-Asia transit cargo through Istanbul, with comparable CEIV pharmaceutical capabilities.
- Ethiopian Airlines Cargo: African national carrier with rapidly scaling dedicated freighter operations and a hub-and-spoke model targeting similar Asia-Africa-Europe corridors, increasingly competing for transit cargo and cold-chain pharma volumes.
- Cathay Pacific Cargo: Major Asian full-service carrier cargo division with CEIV Pharma expertise and a comparable mix of belly cargo and dedicated freighters, directly competing for Zhengzhou and broader Asia-Europe routes out of Hong Kong.
- Korean Air Cargo: Asian carrier with significant dedicated freighter fleet and pharma/perishable handling, sharing SkyTeam Cargo alliance membership and overlapping on transpacific and intra-Asia lanes.
- Cargolux: Luxembourg-based all-cargo airline operating a fleet of 747 freighters, specializing in pharma and oversize cargo, directly comparable freighter-only model and considered a major European competitor for specialized air cargo.
Broad incumbents
- DHL Aviation: Global integrator operating its own airline fleet and CEIV-certified hubs, competing in express, courier, and pharma logistics; broader portfolio of services but overlapping most directly in time-definite air cargo.
- FedEx Express: Global integrator with large dedicated freighter fleet and hub network, competing for international express and e-commerce shipments; broader scale but comparable product overlap in courier and time-sensitive cargo.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Saudi Airlines Cargo social profiles
Digital presenceSaudi Airlines Cargo compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance10 records
Saudi Airlines Cargo financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Saudi Airlines Cargo leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Saudi Airlines Cargo subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
Saudi Airlines Cargo funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Saudi Airlines Cargo M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Saudi Airlines Cargo
What does Saudi Airlines Cargo do?
Saudi Airlines Cargo (Saudia Cargo) is the national air cargo carrier of Saudi Arabia, operating a dual fleet of 10 dedicated freighter aircraft (B747-400ERF, B747-400BCF, B777-F, A330-300P2F) and 140+ belly cargo aircraft. The company transports general cargo, specialized cargo (pharmaceuticals, perishables, live animals, dangerous goods, valuable cargo), courier, mail, horse transport, and charter solutions across more than 90 destinations globally, with SkyTeam Cargo alliance expanding reach to nearly 800 destinations across 160 countries.
Is Saudi Airlines Cargo a public or private company?
Saudi Airlines Cargo is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was Saudi Airlines Cargo founded?
Saudi Airlines Cargo was founded in 1940. It employs 1,001 to 5,000 people.
Where is Saudi Airlines Cargo based?
Saudi Airlines Cargo is headquartered in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in the Middle East region.
How does Saudi Airlines Cargo make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Air Cargo Transportation Services are the primary driver. The others are freighter Charter Services and specialized Cargo Handling.
Who are Saudi Airlines Cargo's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Emirates SkyCargo, Qatar Airways Cargo, Etihad Cargo, Turkish Cargo, Ethiopian Airlines Cargo, Cathay Pacific Cargo, Korean Air Cargo and Cargolux. Broad incumbents are DHL Aviation and FedEx Express.
Does Saudi Airlines Cargo have an API?
No public API is recorded for Saudi Airlines Cargo.
What industry is Saudi Airlines Cargo in?
Saudi Airlines Cargo's product category is Air Cargo Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is THABAEAA, Scheduled Air Cargo Airlines (All-Cargo Carriers), with a secondary code of THABAEAE, Belly-Cargo Operators (Passenger Airline Freight Divisions). Its NAICS code is 481112 and its SIC code is 4512.