SAL Logistics acquires Aviapartner Liège for US$32.8M in first international expansion
Through Aviapartner Liège, SAL gains an established cargo handling and warehouse logistics provider within this ecosystem, backed by the wider Aviapartner group’s 60-year presence at Liège Airport.
SAUDI ARABIA – SAL Logistics Services Company has completed the acquisition of 100% of the share capital of Aviapartner Liège for approximately SAR120 million (approx. US$32.8 million), marking the firm’s first international expansion and establishing a vital operational base at Belgium’s Liège Airport, in the heart of Europe’s cargo “Golden Triangle.”
The SAR120 million (approx. US$32.8 million) transaction was completed in cash, funded by SAL’s internal resources, after receiving all required regulatory approvals.
Additionally, the airport handles more than one million tonnes of cargo annually and ranks among the world’s top 25 cargo airports.
Strategic Significance and European Golden Triangle
The acquisition gives SAL a strategic foothold in a major European cargo gateway. Located within Europe’s cargo “Golden Triangle,” a region through which more than 70% of European freight flows, Liège offers strong connectivity to major trade and transport hubs in Germany, the Netherlands, France and Luxembourg.
Moreover, the airport’s advanced cargo infrastructure, 24/7 operations and absence of night-time curfew restrictions enable fast, reliable and time-sensitive cargo movement across European markets.
CEO Vision and Strategic Growth
On the strategic buy, CEO Omar Talal Hariri said: “This acquisition is an important step in the next phase of SAL’s strategy. Our ambition is not only to grow our footprint, but to build a platform that connects markets, capabilities and customers across key global trade corridors. Aviapartner Liège gives us our first international operating base, supported by specialist expertise and customer relationships that can strengthen the way we serve airlines, freight forwarders and cargo owners.“
He added: “As we scale beyond the kingdom, we remain focused on building capabilities that support our customers and contribute to the Kingdom’s ambition to become a leading global logistics hub under Vision 2030.”
Operational Capabilities and Future Outlook
Through Aviapartner Liège, SAL gains an established cargo handling and warehouse logistics provider within this ecosystem, backed by the wider Aviapartner group’s 60-year presence at Liège Airport.
The company brings long-standing airline, freight forwarder, and logistics customer relationships, together with operational expertise.
The acquisition forms part of SAL’s strategy to scale its platform, expand into new markets and strengthen connectivity between the Kingdom and global markets, in support of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy as part of Saudi Vision 2030.
Ultimately, this purchase aligns with the Saudi Vision 2030 initiative to transform the Kingdom into a leading international logistics center.
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