Saudia Cargo ramps up specialty shipments during peak season

As part of Saudi Arabia’s “Vision 2030” initiative, which, in part, calls for the hosting of more entertainment events across the kingdom in the next decade, Saudia Cargo has boosted its participation in the air transport of equipment for several large gatherings in the region, including a heritage festival, a circus, a motor sports race and wrestling match.

Most recently, the cargo arm of Jeddah-based carrier Saudi Airlines transported equipment for the inauguration ceremony at the 33rd National Festival for Heritage and Culture, a.k.a. “Janadriyah – 33” (pictured, at right). With logistics help from the Ministry of the National Guard, Saudia Cargo shipped 60 tonnes of equipment, tools, screens and cables from Châlons Vatry International Airport (XCR) in France to King Khalid International Airport (RUH) in Riyadh via a 747-400 freighter on Dec. 8, and returned the equipment to XCR by Dec. 24.

Earlier this month, Saudia Cargo shipped 400 tonnes of equipment and supplies for the international event, “Cirque du soleil,” utilizing four 747-400F flights from Zagreb (ZAG) in Croatia to Riyadh, where the event is still taking place, from Dec. 17 to Dec. 29.

“During the year, Saudia Cargo has contributed to many events and festivals, due to its logistical capabilities in terms of its freighter fleet, charter services or ground handling services,” said Saudia Cargo’s CEO, Omar Talal Hariri.

In addition, the carrier lifted a total of 58 electric-powered racecars and supporting equipment aboard several aircraft to bring the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile’s Formula-E championship, called the “E-Prix,” to the historic city of Ad Diriyah, on the outskirts of Riyadh, Dec. 13 through Dec. 15. All told, the flights carried more than 220 tonnes of racing equipment and vehicles for the event.

Back in November, Saudi Cargo also brought World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) to Saudi Arabia in the form of the organization’s “Crown Jewel” event in Riyadh. The Nov. 2 tournament required the air transport of more than 100 tonnes of machinery, sound and lighting systems from Maastricht Aachen Airport (MST) to RUH via a 747-8F in October.

Saudia Cargo provides a global air network spanning four continents, operating a dedicated freighter fleet of eight widebody aircraft, including two 747-400BDSFs, one 747-400FSCD, one 747-8F and four 777-200Fs.