Saudi air freight sector sees 53% growth in 2024: GACA President

President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej stressed that the Kingdom has witnessed a surge in air freight sector during 2024, as it grew by 53% compared to 2023, Saudi Press Agency reported.

Al-Duailej made his remarks while participating in a panel discussion on the role of air freight in enhancing the Kingdom's leadership in the global logistics sector, which was part of the Global Logistics Forum, held in Riyadh.

He also said that Kingdom's airports are set to exceed the one million tons of air freight for the first time, with expectations that air freight will hit 1.2 million tons by the end of 2024.

The National Aviation Strategy focuses on positioning the Kingdom as one of the top global logistics hubs by 2030. The Kingdom's air freight is expected to rise from 0.8 million tons in 2023 to 4.5 million tons by 2023, according to the top official.

He indicated that, in order to achieve this goal, the Kingdom will invest more than $100 billion in airports upgrade, expansion of ground handling facilities and launch of digital platform for real-time freight monitoring and management.

The Kingdom enjoys a unique geographical location, situated at the crossroads of three continents, with approximately 50% of the world's population within a five-hour flight, Al-Duailej said.

Al-Duailej also pointed out that the Kingdom seeks to expand its air freight capabilities by increasing its fleet from the current seven cargo planes to 27, in collaboration with national carriers.

He noted that this move supports the Kingdom's air freight goals, where the number of aircraft is expected to increase from 241 to 657 by 2030, including 187 wide-body and 470 narrow-body aircraft, positioning the Kingdom’s aviation infrastructure as a globally competitive power.