SAL
SAL is Saudi Arabia's national logistics champion, providing integrated air cargo ground handling, customs clearance, warehousing, and end-to-end logistics across 18-19 Saudi airports and the 1.5M+ sqm SAL Logistics Zone. The publicly listed company serves 160-200+ enterprise customers including major airlines, freight forwarders, and government entities.
- Company typePublic
- Founded1954
- HeadquartersJeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Headcount5,001–10,000
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What SAL does
SAL Saudi Logistics Services Co. is the national logistics champion of Saudi Arabia and a publicly listed company on the Saudi Exchange (Tadawul, ticker 4263) following its 2025 IPO. Headquartered in Jeddah with operations across 18-19 Saudi airports and primary hubs in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, and Medina, SAL handles approximately 95% of the Kingdom's cargo handling sector and processed nearly 1 million tons of cargo in 2025. The company is organized into three integrated business units: SAL Handling (ground handling including airside, landside, special cargo, and value-added services such as cold chain, dangerous goods, valuable cargo, and live animal handling), SAL Logistics (end-to-end integrated logistics across sea, air, and land, including customs clearance, fulfillment, and special project logistics), and the SAL Logistics Zone (a 1.5+ million square meter Class A warehouse initiative in Falcon City, north Riyadh, with SAR 4 billion in committed investment under the Ministry of Investment's Shareek program).
SAL generates revenue primarily through transaction-fee ground handling (83% of 2024 revenues, based on chargeable weight per airwaybill) and an integrated logistics and fulfillment division (17% in 2024, contributing SAR 271 million). Key technology components include an integrated end-to-end logistics platform with real-time AWB-based tracking, online invoice verification, a terminal handling charges calculator, and RFID-enabled warehouse management with EDI integration. The company holds the HSSE IMS triple ISO certification (first Saudi logistics company, May 2026) and the IATA CBTA Best Center Performance Award for 2026. SAL is pursuing international expansion via the SAR 123 million acquisition of Aviapartner Liège SA (Belgium, March 2026) at Liege Airport — Europe's fifth-largest air cargo hub — alongside strategic partnerships with TAM Group for Saudi-China air cargo, Air China, China Cargo Airlines, FedEx, and Emirates SkyCargo.
The commercial model is B2B enterprise logistics sold via dedicated account management and long-term contracts to airlines (Royal Jordanian, Flyadeal, Saudia Cargo, Flynas, Riyadh Air), freight forwarders, customs brokers, e-commerce platforms, and government entities (notably the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center). Pricing is unit-based (chargeable weight per Airwaybill) with multi-year subscription structures for warehouse leases (e.g., five-year Saudia Technic contract at KAIA). Customer base spans 160-200+ enterprises with documented global network coverage across EMEA, Asia, the United States, South America, and South Africa. SAL is governed by Chairman Fawaz Mohammed Al Fawwaz (appointed April 2026) and CEO Omar Talal Hariri (appointed November 2024).
SAL firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- SAL
- Legal name
- SAL Saudi Logistics Services Company
- Website
- https://sal.sa
- Company type
- Public
- Founded year
- 1954
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 5,001–10,000 employees
- Short description
- SAL is Saudi Arabia's national logistics champion, providing integrated air cargo ground handling, customs clearance, warehousing, and end-to-end logistics across 18-19 Saudi airports and the 1.5M+ sqm SAL Logistics Zone. The publicly listed company serves 160-200+ enterprise customers including major airlines, freight forwarders, and government entities.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
SAL industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Air Cargo Handling & Logistics Services
- NAICS
- Support Activities for Air Transportation (4881), Warehousing and Storage (493), Other Warehousing and Storage (49319), Transportation and Warehousing (48-49)
- SIC
- Airports, Flying Fields & Airport Terminal Services (4581), Arrangement Of Transportation Of Freight & Cargo (4731), Public Warehousing & Storage (4220)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Humanitarian, Relief & Government Cargo Airlift (THABAEAI)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Breakbulk & Project Cargo Handling (Heavy Lift, Out-of-Gauge Handling) (TLAHALAH)
Keywords
Where SAL is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Jeddah
- HQ country
- Saudi Arabia
- HQ region
- Middle East
Offices6 records
Markets served
SAL business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain
Revenue model
- Ground Handling Services: Core revenue stream providing cargo ground handling, aircraft loading/unloading, ramp operations, and terminal handling at Saudi airports. Contributed 83% of total revenues in 2024. Revenue based on chargeable weight per airwaybill with minimum charges and demand-based fees.
- Logistics and Fulfillment Services: Integrated logistics including first/last mile delivery, customs clearance, warehousing, fulfillment services, and special project logistics. Contributed 17% of total revenues in 2024. Services include door-to-door delivery, packing, transportation, and storage solutions.
- Air Cargo Solutions: Air cargo handling services including import, export, and transit cargo management with customs clearance support
- Specialized Cargo Handling: Value-added services for special cargo including cold chain, dangerous goods, valuable cargo, live animals, and temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Terminal Handling Charges - Weight-based pricing per airwaybill |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | JED Courier Tariff - Weight-based pricing |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | MED & ELQ Courier Tariff - Weight-based pricing |
| Usage-based | Annual | Annual Renewable Ground Handling Contract - Royal Jordanian Airlines |
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | Five-Year Warehouse Lease and Management - KAIA |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels7 records
SAL product offering
Product offeringCore offering
SAL provides air cargo ground handling and integrated logistics services across 18-19 Saudi airports. Its offerings span aircraft loading/unloading, terminal handling, customs clearance, warehousing, fulfillment, transportation, and specialized cargo handling (cold chain, dangerous goods, valuable cargo, live animals). The company also operates the SAL Logistics Zone, a 1.5+ million square meter Class A warehouse destination supporting Saudi Vision 2030.
Product overview
SAL (Saudi Logistics Services) is a platform-plus-modules logistics provider structured around three core business units: SAL Handling (ground handling and cargo services), SAL Logistics (end-to-end integrated logistics), and SAL Logistics Zone (large-scale logistics infrastructure). SAL Handling provides comprehensive ground handling across 18 Saudi airports covering airside services, landside services, special cargo handling (cold chain, dangerous goods, valuable cargo, live animals), and value-added services including customs inspection management. SAL Logistics delivers integrated door-to-door, first/last mile, customs clearance, fulfillment, transportation, and special project logistics over sea, air, and land. The SAL Logistics Zone is a strategic 1.5+ million sqm zone with Class A warehouses serving as a top-tier logistics destination aligned with Saudi Vision 2030. Together, these three units form an integrated platform from cargo handling at airports through warehousing and fulfillment to last-mile delivery.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- SAL Handling: Ground handling services including airside services, landside services, special cargo handling, and value added services across Saudi Arabia's airports.
- SAL Logistics
- SAL Logistics Zone
Quantifiable outcome
- 95% market share in Saudi cargo handling sector
- +5 more outcomes
Companies that use SAL
Customer profileNamed customers8 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles6 records
SAL technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature5 records
SAL partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
34 partnerships are on record, tiered key, core, flagship, standard and minor.
- Rowad Modern EngineeringkeyGeneral contractor for development and expansion project of SAL facilities at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. Project encompasses rehabilitation, infrastructure upgrades, and new supporting facilities targeting LEED Gold certification.
- Aviapartner Belgium NV and Aviapartner Holding NVcoreSale and purchase agreement to acquire 100% of Aviapartner Liège SA for SAR 123 million on cash-free, debt-free basis. Target company specializes in ground handling and cargo services at Liege Airport, one of Europe's major air cargo hubs. Transaction marks SAL's expansion into European ground handling and cargo services market.
- Royal Jordanian AirlineskeyRenewed strategic partnership for integrated ground handling and air cargo solutions at Saudi Arabian airports. Annual renewable contract covering cargo ground handling, aircraft loading/unloading, and ramp operations.
- Saudia Technic Co.keyFive-year agreement for leasing of space and warehouse management services at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. Encompasses integrated ground handling and storage solutions at SAL's air cargo facilities.
- EgyptAir Training AcademykeyAgreement to develop advanced programs in air transport sector, focusing on training and professional development for aviation logistics personnel.
- University of JeddahkeyMoU to enhance education and training in logistics sector, supporting workforce development.
- SPL Infinite PLkeyMoU to develop and enable joint digital logistics solutions.
- AFC Asian Cup 2027 Local Organizing CommitteeflagshipFramework agreement to provide integrated logistics and supply chain solutions for AFC Asian Cup 2027, one of Asia's premier football tournaments to be hosted in Saudi Arabia.
- Saudi Export Development AuthoritykeyMoU to enhance and develop logistics services for national exports, supporting Saudi export growth.
- Syrian AirlinesstandardPartnership agreement to provide integrated air cargo solutions for Syrian Airlines operations at Saudi airports.
- Special Integrated Logistics Zone (SILZ)coreStrategic agreement to advance logistics ecosystem in the Kingdom through integrated logistics zone development.
- FlyadealkeyCooperation agreement to provide comprehensive logistics solutions and services. Flyadeal is a Saudi low-cost airline.
- FedExkeyAgreement to enhance ground handling services for express shipments in Saudi Arabia, combining FedEx's global express network with SAL's local handling capabilities.
- TAM GroupcoreStrategic partnership announced at Transport Logistic Southeast Asia Exhibition in Singapore, aimed at enhancing air cargo operations between Saudi Arabia and China. Leverages advanced logistics technologies and digital solutions to streamline cargo flow for e-commerce sector. Marks SAL's inaugural international expansion.
- China Cargo AirlineskeyStrategic partnership to support air cargo shipments between China and Saudi Arabia. China's major cargo airline operating freighter services.
- Emirates SkyCargokeyPartnership renewal to enhance ground handling and cargo services at Saudi airports. Emirates SkyCargo is a major global air freight carrier.
- SPL (Saudi Post)keyStrategic agreement to enhance air mail handling operations in the Kingdom, optimizing postal logistics through combined expertise.
- Institute of Public AdministrationkeyMoU to develop national competencies in logistics sector through training and professional development programs.
- ElmkeyAgreement to enhance digital solutions in logistics operations, focusing on technology-driven efficiency improvements.
- Othman AlMullaminorSponsorship of Saudi professional golfer to champion national sports development, enhancing brand visibility.
- GCLkeyStrategic partnership to strengthen specialized logistics solutions for entertainment, sports, and arts sectors.
- Saudi Post (SPL)keyPartnership to optimize air mail handling operations across Saudi Arabia. Collaboration aims to enhance speed, safety, and reliability in e-commerce logistics sector, leveraging SAL's cargo management expertise and SPL's extensive postal network.
- SelacoreAgreement to establish SAL Logistics Zone in Falcon City, north of Riyadh, with SAR 4 billion investment enabled by Ministry of Investment through Shareek program. Zone covers over 1.5 million square meters.
- Emaar The Economic CitykeyPartnership to advance logistics services in King Abdullah Economic City and attract investments to Saudi logistics sector.
- Technology Control Co.keyAgreement to enhance logistics services through technology solutions.
- stc GroupkeyMoU to enhance digital logistics solutions, leveraging telecommunications and digital infrastructure capabilities of stc Group.
- Madinah Region Development AuthoritykeyCooperation agreement to support and enhance logistics services in Madinah region.
- Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA)keyStrategic partnership for customs clearance improvements and compliance, supporting the 'Clearance Within Two Hours' initiative.
- Royal Commission for Jubail and YanbukeyCooperation agreement for logistics services in Jazan industrial city, expanding SAL's industrial logistics footprint.
- Air ChinakeyStrategic partnership contract for air cargo handling services, expanding SAL's presence in Chinese aviation market.
- Saudi Aircraft Engine CompanykeyStrategic partnership to provide logistics solutions for aircraft engine services.
- Microsoft ArabiakeyStrategic partnership for digital transformation, leveraging Microsoft cloud and technology solutions for logistics operations.
- Lufthansa Technik Logistik Services (LTLS)keyMoU for cooperation in logistics activities in Saudi Arabia, signed during Munich trade events. German aviation logistics expertise partnership.
- Menzies AviationkeyMoU to collaboratively deliver world-class passenger handling services at Saudi airports. Menzies is a global aviation services company.
Scale indicators27 records
Recent moves10 records
Expansion highlights7 records
SAL competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Swissport International: World's largest airport ground services and cargo handling company, operating at ~300 airports globally. Directly comparable to SAL on the airside services, ramp, and cargo handling core, with the difference that Swissport is global and SAL is regionally dominant.
- dnata: Dubai-based global airport services provider (part of Emirates Group) offering ground handling, cargo, and travel services. Comparable to SAL on airport handling and air cargo, with dnata serving as the regional benchmark for Gulf-based ground handlers.
- SATS (SATS Ltd.): Singapore-listed airport services and in-flight catering giant following its acquisition of WFS. A direct comparator to SAL on air cargo handling, gateway services, and integrated airport solutions across Asia and Europe.
- DHL Global Forwarding: Global air and ocean freight forwarding leader. SAL's SAL Logistics division competes and partners with DHL on integrated freight forwarding, customs, and supply chain solutions, with DHL providing the international benchmark for end-to-end air cargo logistics.
Direct peers
- Menzies Aviation: Global aviation services and ground handling operator present in over 85 countries. SAL already signed a 2023 MoU with Menzies to deliver passenger handling at Saudi airports, and the two companies compete head-to-head in airport handling services worldwide.
- Celebi Ground Handling: Turkish independent ground handling and cargo services provider operating across multiple countries. Closely comparable to SAL on the core airside and cargo handling model as a privately-held/regional challenger.
- Aviapartner: Belgian-headquartered European ground handling company. SAL acquired Aviapartner Liège SA in March 2026 for SAR 123M, making Aviapartner both a former competitor and SAL's European platform vehicle, highly comparable on cargo handling at major European hubs.
Regional players
- TAV Airports: Turkish airport operator and ground services group with significant MENA exposure. Comparable to SAL on the airport services and cargo handling commercial model, though more terminal operator than pure ground handler.
- Aramex: Middle East-headquartered courier, freight forwarding, and logistics company listed in Dubai. Comparable to SAL's integrated logistics and fulfillment segments (17% of revenue) and overlapping in customs clearance and last-mile delivery.
- NAQEL Express (Saudi Post): Saudi Post-owned domestic courier and logistics operator. SAL already has a strategic partnership with SPL for air mail handling, making NAQEL a clear Saudi-market peer on e-commerce logistics and last-mile delivery.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
SAL social profiles
Digital presenceSAL compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance3 records
SAL financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
SAL leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
SAL subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
SAL funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds1 record
Investors1 record
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
SAL M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A1 record
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about SAL
What does SAL do?
SAL provides air cargo ground handling and integrated logistics services across 18-19 Saudi airports. Its offerings span aircraft loading/unloading, terminal handling, customs clearance, warehousing, fulfillment, transportation, and specialized cargo handling (cold chain, dangerous goods, valuable cargo, live animals). The company also operates the SAL Logistics Zone, a 1.5+ million square meter Class A warehouse destination supporting Saudi Vision 2030.
Is SAL a public or private company?
SAL is a public company. It is classified as public and is currently operating.
When was SAL founded?
SAL was founded in 1954. It employs 5,001 to 10,000 people.
Where is SAL based?
SAL is headquartered in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in the Middle East region.
How does SAL make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Ground Handling Services are the primary driver. The others are logistics and Fulfillment Services, air Cargo Solutions and specialized Cargo Handling.
Who are SAL's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Swissport International, dnata, SATS (SATS Ltd.) and DHL Global Forwarding. Direct peers are Menzies Aviation, Celebi Ground Handling and Aviapartner. Regional players are TAV Airports, Aramex and NAQEL Express (Saudi Post).
Does SAL have an API?
No public API is recorded for SAL.
What industry is SAL in?
SAL's product category is Air Cargo Handling & Logistics Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is THABAEAI, Humanitarian, Relief & Government Cargo Airlift, with a secondary code of TLAHALAH, Breakbulk & Project Cargo Handling (Heavy Lift, Out-of-Gauge Handling). Its NAICS code is 4881 and its SIC code is 4581.