Saudia Cargo has launched a direct scheduled freighter service between Riyadh and Melbourne, strengthening air cargo connectivity between Saudi Arabia and Australia and supporting faster movement of high-value and time-sensitive cargo.
The new service, which commenced on July 25, is operated by a Boeing 747-400 freighter with a payload capacity of more than 100 tonnes. Equipped with a nose-loading capability, the aircraft is designed to transport oversized and heavy cargo, including industrial machinery, mining equipment and other large-volume shipments.
The direct connection is expected to enhance bilateral trade by reducing transit times for key commodities such as pharmaceuticals, perishables, e-commerce shipments, industrial products and advanced manufacturing goods.
Australia has emerged as an important trading partner for Saudi Arabia across sectors including food products, mining, healthcare and industrial goods. The new route also supports Saudi Arabia’s efforts to diversify exports beyond oil and strengthen commercial ties with the Asia-Pacific region under the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 strategy.
Saudia Cargo said the Melbourne service reflects its commitment to expanding global connectivity, enabling Saudi exports to access new markets while reinforcing the Kingdom’s position as a global logistics hub.
The carrier is working with the General Authority for Foreign Trade, the Saudi Export Development Authority, and the Saudi-Australian Business Council to enhance export opportunities, improve transit efficiency and strengthen collaboration with logistics partners in Australia.
Commenting on the development, Daipayan Adhikari, Head of Integrated Logistics at United Warehouse Co. Ltd., said the direct service marks a significant milestone for Saudi Arabia’s logistics sector and will create faster and more reliable supply chains for high-value, time-sensitive cargo while boosting trade between the two countries.
The Melbourne route is part of Saudia Cargo’s broader network expansion. Earlier this month, Saudia Group signed an agreement with Boeing to acquire four Boeing 777-200 freighters, which will further expand the airline’s dedicated cargo capacity and strengthen its network across four continents in line with Saudi Arabia’s long-term logistics and trade objectives.
