The new aircraft is hoped to boost cargo and supply operations and help meet the significant surge in demand for pharmaceuticals, medical equipment and similar goods.
Omar Hariri, CEO, Saudia Cargo, commented, “We have taken practical steps to guarantee the cargo and supply operations smooth continuity to and from the Kingdom ever since the flights, excluding cargo and evacuation, were suspended due to COVID-19.Today, flights have been resumed but to a certain degree. Once the new freighter has been put into operation, it will increase the operation and cargo capacity and help the company meet its targets and provide logistic support to deliver urgent medical cargoes to the Kingdom in order to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 as part of its continued efforts.”
The aircraft began operating freighter services in September after all licenses have been obtained, flight schedules prepared and enhancements put in place.
Since the emergence of COVID-19, Saudia Cargo has taken numerous measures to ensure cargo operations continue to run efficiently, increasing air freight services to many global destinations and markets in the Middle East, Europe, Africa, Asia and the US. It announced on March 25 the use of passenger aircraft converted into cargo aircraft to increase capacity after complying with safety measures for crews on board.
Saudia Cargo fleet consists of seven Boeing aircraft: four Boeing 777 and three Boeing 747-400F.