Saudia Group orders four Boeing 777-200 freighters to expand cargo reach across four continents
Once operational, the new freighters will expand Saudia Cargo’s reach across four continents, thereby enhancing capacity on key international trade routes.
SAUDI ARABIA – Saudia Group has signed an agreement with Boeing to acquire four Boeing 777-200 freighters, marking a major step in its strategic fleet expansion to meet growing global demand and enhance connectivity across four continents.
The first aircraft is scheduled for delivery in the fourth quarter of 2026. The investment aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to position the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as a leading global logistics hub bridging East and West.
Saudia Cargo has already demonstrated strong momentum, transporting more than 1.15 million tonnes of cargo in 2024 and 2025 while maintaining an on-time performance rate above 90%.
Fleet Expansion and Strategic Investment
The signing ceremony took place in Jeddah and was attended by Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group. The agreement was signed by Saleh Eid, Vice President of Fleet Management at Saudia Group; Loay Mashabi, CEO of Saudia Cargo; and Asaad AlJomoai, President of Boeing Saudi Arabia.
Once operational, the new freighters will expand Saudia Cargo’s reach across four continents, thereby enhancing capacity on key international trade routes.
Leadership Comments and 75-Year Partnership
“This agreement marks an important milestone in executing Saudia Group’s long-term growth strategy,” said Al-Omar. “By expanding our dedicated freighter capacity, we are enabling Saudia Cargo to meet growing global demand, enhance connectivity, and contribute to Saudi Arabia’s ambition of becoming a global logistics hub.“
Omar Arekat, Vice President of Commercial Sales and Marketing for the Middle East at Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said: “Saudia Cargo’s order for Boeing 777 freighters is a testament to the airplane’s unmatched performance and versatility.”
He highlighted the companies’ 75-year partnership and Boeing’s commitment to supporting Saudia’s cargo growth.
For logistics investors and fresh-produce supply chains, Saudia Group’s order for four 777-200 freighters enhances Saudi Arabia’s air cargo capacity for perishable exports, with the fourth-quarter 2026 delivery timeline providing a clear schedule for capacity expansion.
Additionally, the 75-year partnership between Saudia and Boeing ensures long-term maintenance and technical support.
As Saudi Vision 2030 aims to position the Kingdom as a leading global logistics hub, this investment strengthens Saudia Cargo’s ability to connect Saudi producers with major commercial centres worldwide.
More importantly, the expanded fleet will offer customers reliable, efficient cargo solutions, supporting the Kingdom’s logistics ambitions and advancing its role as a vital bridge between Eastern and Western commerce.
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