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Saudia Cargo has launched a new scheduled freighter service connecting Riyadh (RUH) and Melbourne (MEL), strengthening air cargo connectivity between Saudi Arabia and Australia. The service, which commenced on 25 July, forms part of the carrier's strategy to expand its international network and support growing trade between the two markets.
The new route will be operated using a Boeing 747-400 freighter, offering cargo capacity of more than 100 tonnes per flight. The aircraft's nose-loading capability enables the transport of heavy, oversized and high-volume shipments, broadening the range of cargo that can be handled on the route.
According to the airline, the service has been introduced in response to increasing market demand and is expected to strengthen global supply chains while providing Saudi exporters with improved access to the Australian market. The route also creates a direct logistics corridor for Australian businesses seeking faster access to the Middle East.
The freighter service will support the movement of a wide range of commodities, including perishable products, pharmaceuticals, industrial equipment and e-commerce shipments, addressing the growing demand for specialised and time-sensitive air freight services between the two regions.
The launch has been supported through collaboration with the General Authority for Foreign Trade (GAFT) and the Saudi Export Development Authority (Saudi Exports) as part of broader efforts to enhance the Kingdom's export capabilities and expand international trade opportunities.
Saudia Cargo is also working with the Saudi-Australian Business Council to strengthen engagement with logistics providers and businesses in Australia. The partnership is expected to improve supply chain coordination, reduce transit times and provide customers with greater flexibility in cargo transportation.
The airline said the new Melbourne service aligns with Saudi Arabia's long-term logistics and trade objectives by expanding global connectivity and supporting bilateral commerce. The company transported more than 570,000 tonnes of cargo across its international network last year, reflecting continued growth in its air freight operations.
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Saudia Cargo has launched a new scheduled freighter service connecting Riyadh (RUH) and Melbourne (MEL), strengthening air cargo connectivity between Saudi Arabia and Australia. The service, which commenced on 25 July, forms part of the carrier's strategy to expand its international network and support growing trade between the two markets. The new route will be operated using a Boeing 747-400 freighter, offering cargo capacity of more than 100 tonnes per flight. The aircraft's nose-loading capability enables the transport of heavy, oversized and high-volume shipments, broadening the range of cargo that can be handled on the route. According to the airline, the service has been introduced in response to increasing market demand and is expected to strengthen global supply chains while providing Saudi exporters with improved access to the Australian market. The route also creates a direct logistics corridor for Australian businesses seeking faster access to the Middle East. The freighter service will support the movement of a wide range of commodities, including perishable products, pharmaceuticals, industrial equipment and e-commerce shipments, addressing the growing demand for specialised and time-sensitive air freight services between the two regions. The launch has been supported through collaboration with the General Authority for Foreign Trade (GAFT) and the Saudi Export Development Authority (Saudi Exports) as part of broader efforts to enhance the Kingdom's export capabilities and expand international trade opportunities. Saudia Cargo is also working with the Saudi-Australian Business Council to strengthen engagement with logistics providers and businesses in Australia. The partnership is expected to improve supply chain coordination, reduce transit times and provide customers with greater flexibility in cargo transportation. The airline said the new Melbourne service aligns with Saudi Arabia's long-term logistics and trade objectives by expanding global connectivity and supporting bilateral commerce. The company transported more than 570,000 tonnes of cargo across its international network last year, reflecting continued growth in its air freight operations. Follow CARGOCONNECT for more such updates.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Bhogapuram International Airport on August 1, describing the project as a transformative milestone for the economic development of North Andhra. According to the Chief Minister, the airport is expected to unlock new opportunities for the region by enhancing connectivity, attracting investments, and improving socio-economic conditions. He said the project would stimulate tourism, industrial growth, and commercial activity, positioning North Andhra as a key economic hub. Naidu noted that the airport project was originally initiated during the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) government in 2014 and was subsequently fast-tracked under the current NDA coalition government, leading to its completion within two years. The state government plans to hold the inauguration on a grand scale to mark the significance of the project. Ahead of the event, the Chief Minister chaired a high-level review meeting to assess preparations for the inauguration and ensure smooth execution of the programme. Highlighting the airport's long-term significance, Naidu said Bhogapuram International Airport would serve as a catalyst for the development of the Visakhapatnam Economic Region, driving investments and generating employment. Drawing a comparison with Hyderabad's Rajiv Gandhi International Airport at Shamshabad, he said the new airport is expected to bring similar transformational growth to North Andhra by strengthening regional connectivity and accelerating economic development. Follow CARGOCONNECT for more such news
Cathay Cargo will restart its dedicated freighter operations to the Middle East from August 1, marking a significant step in restoring its regional air cargo network after months of disruption caused by geopolitical tensions. The Hong Kong-based carrier confirmed that freighter services to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, will be the first to return, followed by the gradual reinstatement of passenger services to key destinations in September. The resumption signals renewed confidence in regional aviation stability and is expected to strengthen cargo connectivity between Asia and the Gulf, a strategically important trade corridor for high-value, time-sensitive shipments. Riyadh serves as a key logistics gateway for Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East, supporting industries ranging from pharmaceuticals and electronics to automotive components and e-commerce. Cathay Cargo had suspended its Middle East operations earlier this year amid escalating regional conflict and airspace restrictions, joining several international airlines that temporarily halted services to safeguard passengers, crew and cargo operations. As the security situation has gradually improved, airlines have begun restoring schedules while continuing to closely monitor developments. Following the cargo relaunch, Cathay Pacific plans to resume daily passenger flights between Hong Kong and Dubai, alongside four weekly passenger services to Riyadh from September 1. These flights will also restore valuable belly-hold cargo capacity, further enhancing freight options for exporters and importers moving goods between Asia and the Middle East. Tickets for the passenger services are already available for booking. The return of both freighter and passenger services is expected to provide greater flexibility for freight forwarders and shippers that have faced capacity constraints during the suspension period. The additional uplift will help improve supply chain resilience, reduce transit times and support growing demand across sectors such as perishables, healthcare products and cross-border e-commerce. Cathay Cargo's decision also reflects the broader recovery of aviation services across the Middle East, with several global carriers progressively restoring operations as regional conditions stabilize. Industry observers believe the reopening of key air freight routes will improve network reliability and strengthen trade flows linking Asia, the Gulf and Europe. By reintroducing dedicated freighter capacity to Riyadh, Cathay Cargo reinforces its commitment to supporting global supply chains while expanding connectivity across one of the world's fastest-growing logistics markets. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!
