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

 Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA)

President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) Abdulaziz Al-Duailej stressed that the Kingdom witnessed a 53% surge in the air freight sector during 2024, 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 noted that the Kingdom's airports are on track to exceed one million tons of air freight for the first time, with expectations to reach 1.2 million tons by the end of 2024.

The National Aviation Strategy aims to position the Kingdom as one of the world's leading logistics hubs by 2030, the top official said, noting that the Kingdom's air freight is expected to increase from 0.8 million tons in 2023 to 4.5 million tons by 2030.

To achieve this goal, the Kingdom will invest over $100 billion in upgrading airports, expanding ground handling facilities, and launching a 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. This positions the Kingdom’s aviation infrastructure as a globally competitive power.