Saudia Group has signed an agreement with Boeing to acquire four Boeing 777-200 Freighters (777F) aircraft, a strategic investment aimed at expanding the Kingdom’s dedicated air cargo capacity and strengthening Saudi Arabia’s position as a global logistics hub under Saudi Vision 2030. The agreement was signed in Jeddah on July 6, with the first aircraft scheduled for delivery in the fourth quarter of 2026. The remaining three freighters will be delivered sequentially throughout 2027, significantly enhancing the operational capabilities of Saudia Cargo.
Fleet Expansion to Boost Global Trade Connectivity
The addition of the new Boeing 777 Freighters forms part of Saudia Cargo’s broader strategy to double its dedicated cargo fleet and meet the growing demand for international freight services. Once operational, the aircraft will support Saudia Cargo’s extensive network spanning four continents, providing greater capacity on key international trade routes and strengthening connections between Saudi Arabia and major commercial and industrial markets worldwide. The expanded fleet is expected to facilitate the transportation of time-sensitive shipments, e-commerce goods, industrial cargo, and national exports while improving the airline’s operational flexibility.
Supporting Saudi Vision 2030
Saudia Group said the investment aligns with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 and the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, both of which seek to transform Saudi Arabia into a leading global logistics and transportation hub connecting East and West. Director General of Saudia Group, H.E. Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, said the agreement represents an important step in the group’s long-term growth strategy and its commitment to developing a world-class aviation ecosystem.
He noted that expanding the dedicated freighter fleet would enable Saudia Cargo to meet rising global demand, enhance connectivity across key international markets, and contribute to Saudi Arabia’s ambition of becoming one of the world’s leading logistics centers.
Al-Omar added that the additional cargo capacity would also strengthen national exports and facilitate cross-border trade, both of which have become increasingly important as the Kingdom continues investing heavily in logistics infrastructure and international trade.
Longstanding Partnership with Boeing
The agreement was signed by Saleh Eid, Vice President of Fleet Management at Saudia Group, Engr. Loay Mashabi, Chief Executive Officer of Saudia Cargo, and Asaad AlJomoai, President of Boeing Saudi Arabia. Commenting on the agreement, Omar Arekat, Vice President of Commercial Sales and Marketing for the Middle East at Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said the order reflects the proven performance, efficiency, and reliability of the Boeing 777 Freighter. He also highlighted the long-standing partnership between Boeing and Saudia Group, which has spanned more than 75 years, expressing confidence in supporting the airline’s continued cargo expansion plans.
Growing Cargo Operations
Saudia Cargo has experienced strong operational growth over the past two years. During 2024 and 2025, the airline transported more than 1.15 million tonnes of cargo, while recording significant growth in cargo revenues, Saudi exports, and cross-border e-commerce shipments. The carrier also maintained an on-time performance rate exceeding 90 percent, reinforcing its reputation for reliable cargo services, a critical factor for businesses transporting high-value, time-sensitive goods across international supply chains. The introduction of the new Boeing 777 Freighters is expected to provide greater scheduling flexibility, improve route planning, and increase dedicated cargo capacity on high-demand international routes.
Strengthening Saudi Arabia’s Global Logistics Ambitions
The fleet expansion represents another milestone in Saudi Arabia’s efforts to position itself as a major logistics gateway linking Asia, Europe, Africa, and North America. Alongside investments in airports, seaports, logistics zones, road networks, and digital trade infrastructure, the enhanced air cargo capacity is expected to improve freight movement for project cargo, industrial equipment, e-commerce, and other high-value exports. With the first Boeing 777 Freighter expected to enter service in late 2026, Saudia Cargo is poised to strengthen its international network while supporting the Kingdom’s long-term vision of becoming a leading global logistics and aviation hub.
