Saudia Cargo on Saturday launched a new scheduled route linking Riyadh and Melbourne, Australia, as part of the expansion of its international network to boost trade between the two countries.
The new route, which began on July 25, marks a major milestone in the company’s strategic expansion, establishing a direct air bridge between the kingdom and the Australian market.
The Saudi carrier will be using a Boeing 747-400 freighter with a payload capacity of more than 100 tons and nose-loading capability to accommodate heavy and oversized cargo.
The launch of the Melbourne route comes in response to market demand, while strengthening global supply chains and expanding the reach of Saudi exports to Australia.
It reflects cooperation between the Kingdom's national logistics carrier, Saudia Cargo, the General Authority of Foreign Trade (GAFT), and the Saudi Export Development Authority “SAUDI EXPORTS.”
The company continues to work closely with its partners to open promising horizons and new investment opportunities, in line with the Kingdom's commercial aspirations.
The Melbourne route is expected to enhance the two-way flow of goods and cargo between the Middle East and Australia. The new service will cater to diverse shipping requirements in both directions, including perishable goods, pharmaceuticals, industrial equipment, and e-commerce shipments.
To maximize the commercial impact of this logistics corridor, Saudia Cargo is also coordinating with the Saudi-Australian Business Council to engage local logistics partners, improve transit times and support stronger bilateral trade through more efficient freight services.
The expansion in Australia is part of the company’s broader strategy to strengthen its operational capabilities and network of destinations, taking advantage of the growing demand for air freight solutions and connecting Saudi markets to global trade hubs.
Last year, the company successfully transported more than 570,000 tons of cargo across its extensive global destination network.
The announcement of new routes comes alongside a series of practical steps to enhance the capabilities of the company’s fleet, including the recent announcement of a purchase agreement for four Boeing 777-200 freighters, which will strengthen the operational capacity of its dedicated fleet and support its growing presence across global markets.
