CARGOCONNECT-APRIL2026 - Flipbook - Page 53
R
iyadh Cargo is entering the market at a
time of evolving demand and shifting
trade patterns. From your perspective,
what are the biggest trends shaping
global air cargo today?
Global air cargo is evolving from a purely capacity-driven
industry to one de昀椀ned by speed, reliability, and sector
specialisation. Growth is increasingly driven by high-value
and time-sensitive segments, such as pharmaceuticals,
perishables, and e-commerce, which require precision
handling and consistency. At the same time, supply chains
are becoming increasingly diversi昀椀ed and regionally
distributed, creating new trade corridors that extend
beyond traditional hubs. Another de昀椀ning trend is the
acceleration of digitalisation across the cargo lifecycle,
where customers expect real-time visibility, seamless
booking, and greater transparency. Together, these shifts
are rede昀椀ning what the E2E experience looks like. Digital
enhancements will not only enable the much-needed
transparency but also drive compliance through the
supply chain, eliminating costly errors and delays.
India’s air cargo market continues to grow, driven
by pharmaceuticals, perishables, electronics
and e-commerce. How important is the Indian
market in Riyadh Cargo’s commercial strategy?
India is a priority growth corridor within our global
expansion strategy and will play a central role in our
development over the coming years. The country’s
export pro昀椀le—spanning pharmaceuticals, perishables,
retail goods, electronics, and e-commerce, amongst
others is highly diversified and contributes to the
strength of demand. India’s economic momentum and
expanding logistics ecosystem make it a critical node in
connecting South Asia with global markets via Riyadh.
Our strategy is to build a strong, scalable foundation
through partnerships, operational discipline, and
customer trust, ensuring that we can support India’s
growing trade 昀氀ows as our network expands.
How are digital tools, automation and real-time
data shaping cargo booking, tracking and
customer service?
Being built as a digitally native cargo operation enables
seamless integration of technology across every stage
of the cargo journey, from booking to 昀椀nal delivery.
Automation helps streamline traditionally manual
processes such as air waybill management, while digital
platforms provide customers with greater visibility,
transparency, and control over shipments, while also
allowing us to be omnipresent, thereby facilitating our
customers’ ability to self-serve. Furthermore, real-time
data will enable better forecasting and operational
planning, improve reliability and reduce ine昀케ciencies
across the network. Ultimately, the goal is to create a
customer-centric cargo ecosystem where information
昀氀ows seamlessly, and decisions are driven by sound
data rather than manual intervention.
“As the airline’s broader
network grows toward
connecting more than 100
destinations, cargo will play
a central role in enabling
efficient trade flows between
high-growth markets
and established global
economies.”
The Gulf already hosts some of the world’s
largest cargo carriers. How does Riyadh Cargo
position itself in such a competitive regional
environment?
The Gulf region is highly competitive, but it also remains
one of the world’s most important crossroads for global
trade. Our focus is on building a di昀昀erentiated cargo
proposition centred on reliability, digital capability,
and operational excellence, rather than competing
purely on scale. With modern infrastructure, strong
ground-handling choices, and a disciplined approach
to operations, we are creating a foundation that can
scale e昀케ciently as demand grows. By combining these
strengths with Riyadh’s strategic geographic location,
we aim to o昀昀er customers e昀케cient connections and a
transparent, high-trust service experience.
Looking 昀椀ve years ahead, what is your vision
for Riyadh Cargo’s role in the global air cargo
ecosystem?
Over the next 昀椀ve years, our ambition is to establish
Riyadh as a globally recognised cargo gateway, supported
by a reliable network, advanced digital capabilities, and
strong industry partnerships. As the airline’s broader
network grows toward connecting more than 100
destinations, cargo will play a central role in enabling
e昀케cient trade 昀氀ows between high-growth markets and
established global economies. Our focus will remain on
building a scalable, digitally integrated cargo ecosystem
that supports multiple industries and delivers consistent
value to customers, while positioning Riyadh as an
increasingly important hub in the global logistics
landscape.
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