Saudia Cargo launches Riyadh-Melbourne freighter route to boost Middle East-Australia trade

SAUDI ARABIA – Saudia Cargo has officially launched its new scheduled route linking Riyadh to Melbourne, Australia, establishing a direct air bridge between the Kingdom and the Australian market as the carrier seeks to strengthen global supply chains and expand the reach of Saudi exports to Australia.

The Saudi carrier will use a Boeing 747-400 freighter on this route, which offers cargo capacity exceeding 100 tonnes and nose-loading capabilities to accommodate heavy, oversized, and high-volume shipments.

The launch of the Melbourne route responds to market demand, enhancing global supply chains and expanding the reach of Saudi exports to Australia, according to the statement.

This announcement also reflects the co-operation among the national logistics carrier, Saudia Cargo, the General Authority for Foreign Trade (GAFT), and the Saudi Export Development Authority (Saudi Exports) to unlock promising horizons and new investment opportunities, in line with the Kingdom’s commercial aspirations.

Strategic Vision and Cargo Capabilities

By utilizing a Boeing 747-400 freighter, the carrier can transport more than 100 tonnes of diverse goods, including heavy machinery, pharmaceuticals, and perishables.

“The Melbourne route is set to contribute to boosting the mutual flow of goods and shipments between the Middle East and Australia. This new line will cater to diverse cargo requirements in both directions, including perishables, pharmaceuticals, industrial equipment, and e-commerce goods,” said a company spokesman.

Commercial Partnerships and Transit Efficiency

To further optimize this logistics corridor, the airline is partnering with the Saudi-Australian Business Council to improve transit times for commercial partners.

“To maximize the commercial impact of this logistics corridor, Saudia Cargo is working to enhance co-ordination with the Saudi-Australian Business Council to reach local logistics partners and provide faster, more efficient transit times, thereby strengthening bilateral trade ties and offering swifter, more flexible transport options,” he stated.

He noted that the company delivered a strong performance last year, successfully transporting more than 570,000 tonnes of cargo across its extensive global network of destinations.

Fleet Expansion and Future Outlook

This new route is part of a broader growth strategy that includes fleet upgrades to support the company’s expanding international presence.

Ultimately, through these efforts, the airline aims to build on its previous success in moving over half a million tonnes of cargo annually, while remaining prepared to pursue further route expansions and fleet investments to sustain long-term growth in the international air cargo sector.

Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.