Saudi Arabia, Egypt Sign Agreement on Maritime Connectivity at Global Logistics Forum

Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistic Services and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Transport General Authority Saleh Al-Jasser and Egypt’s Minister of Transport and Industry Lieutenant General Kamel Al-Wazir signed the MoU on the sidelines of the first edition of the Global Logistics Forum in Riyadh. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistic Services and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Transport General Authority Saleh Al-Jasser and Egypt’s Minister of Transport and Industry Lieutenant General Kamel Al-Wazir signed the MoU on the sidelines of the first edition of the Global Logistics Forum in Riyadh. (SPA)
TT

Saudi Arabia, Egypt Sign Agreement on Maritime Connectivity at Global Logistics Forum

Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistic Services and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Transport General Authority Saleh Al-Jasser and Egypt’s Minister of Transport and Industry Lieutenant General Kamel Al-Wazir signed the MoU on the sidelines of the first edition of the Global Logistics Forum in Riyadh. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistic Services and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Transport General Authority Saleh Al-Jasser and Egypt’s Minister of Transport and Industry Lieutenant General Kamel Al-Wazir signed the MoU on the sidelines of the first edition of the Global Logistics Forum in Riyadh. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia and Egypt signed on Monday a memorandum of understanding on maritime connectivity.

Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistic Services and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Transport General Authority Saleh Al-Jasser and Egypt’s Minister of Transport and Industry Lieutenant General Kamel Al-Wazir signed the MoU on the sidelines of the first edition of the Global Logistics Forum in Riyadh.

The forum is being held from October 12 to 14 under the slogan "Reshaping the Global Map of Logistics".

The MoU will boost cooperation and joint work in maritime connectivity for passenger transport. It stipulates exchange of expertise to qualify specialized cadres in emerging fields, develop the quality and efficiency of maritime transport services, and improve the experience of their beneficiaries.

The areas of cooperation include yacht and marine passenger ship transport activities, as well as passenger ferries.

Attending the forum were ministers and senior officials, leaders of international organizations and industrial unions, as well as experts, academics and analysts.

With 130 speakers and 80 exhibitors representing 30 countries, the forum showcases a wide range of perspectives and expertise.



Saudi Airlines: Electric Aircraft Will Connect Key Regions of the Kingdom by End of 2026

The official spokesperson for Saudi Airlines, Engineer Abdullah Al-Shahrani (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The official spokesperson for Saudi Airlines, Engineer Abdullah Al-Shahrani (Asharq Al-Awsat)
TT

Saudi Airlines: Electric Aircraft Will Connect Key Regions of the Kingdom by End of 2026

The official spokesperson for Saudi Airlines, Engineer Abdullah Al-Shahrani (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The official spokesperson for Saudi Airlines, Engineer Abdullah Al-Shahrani (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The official spokesperson for Saudi Airlines, Engineer Abdullah Al-Shahrani, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the 100 electric aircraft purchased from the German company Lilium will begin official operations in the second half of 2026, with the delivery of the first aircraft.
This follows a deal between Saudi Airlines and Lilium in July, marking one of the largest orders the company has received to date.
Speaking during the first day of the Global Logistics Forum in Riyadh, Al-Shahrani explained that a major test flight is scheduled for February next year. After that, infrastructure development and pilot training will begin, leading to the official launch in the second half of 2026. The full fleet will be delivered over six years, he remarked.
At the forum, Saudi Airlines showcased a real-life model of the Lilium electric aircraft. Al-Shahrani noted that each aircraft can reach a speed of 270 km/h and cover distances of up to 170 kilometers. Saudi Airlines plans to build a wide network of Lilium planes to link major areas in the Kingdom, with flight times ranging from 20 to 40 minutes, emphasizing the efficiency and time savings these aircraft offer.
The Lilium electric planes are expected to significantly increase the frequency of flights and reduce travel times by up to 90%, especially to tourist destinations that currently require longer journeys. They will also provide a solution for travel in congested areas, easing traffic and saving time.
Al-Shahrani further detailed plans to use the electric planes to connect King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah with key religious sites such as the Grand Mosque, Muzdalifah, Mina, and Arafat, utilizing landing zones near these locations. Similarly, they will link King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh with entertainment districts like Qiddiya and Diriyah. Future plans include connecting the Red Sea Project resorts with regional airports and integrating the aircraft into the NEOM region.
This initiative aligns with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 and the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, contributing to the growth of the tourism, entertainment, and sports sectors. It will also facilitate the movement of 330 million travelers and 150 million visits, as well as support the transport of pilgrims during Hajj and Umrah, helping achieve the target of 30 million Umrah visitors.