SAL Signs Air Cargo Services Agreement With China’s SF Airlines

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s SAL Logistics Services partnered with China’s SF Airlines to provide air cargo services, reinforcing the Kingdom’s efforts to deepen logistics ties with one of its largest trading partners. 

The agreement, signed through SAL’s Ground Handling Division, will see the Saudi company provide integrated ground handling and operational services for SF Airlines, one of China’s largest air cargo carriers and a subsidiary of SF Express. The airline operates a global network spanning more than 130 destinations. 

The partnership comes as Saudi Arabia and China continue to expand trade and investment ties, with the Kingdom investing heavily in logistics infrastructure under Vision 2030 to strengthen supply chains and position itself as a regional distribution hub. 

The companies said the pact combines SAL’s ground handling and air cargo capabilities with SF Airlines’ operations in Saudi Arabia, with the aim of improving operational efficiency, service quality, and cargo handling reliability. 

In a post on X, SAL stated: “Under the agreement, SAL will provide integrated operational services, including air cargo handling, aircraft loading and offloading, in addition to a range of related operational services for operated flights.”  

The deal comes as the Kingdom seeks to strengthen its position as a regional logistics hub, with the Saudi Aviation Strategy targeting 330 million annual passengers, connectivity to more than 250 destinations, and air cargo capacity of 4.5 million tonnes by 2030. 

Saudi Arabia has also been attracting international cargo operators as part of efforts to expand supply chains and cross-border commerce. 

SAL said the agreement forms part of its strategy to enhance the efficiency and reliability of its services, improve operational performance, and support the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. 

The company said the partnership also supports the Kingdom’s efforts to reinforce its position as a global hub for trade, transport, and logistics. 

The deal further expands SAL’s integrated service portfolio in the air cargo ground-handling sector and strengthens strategic partnerships with global carriers. 

SF Airlines was established in 2009 as a specialized air cargo airline and is headquartered in Shenzhen, Guangdong. 

The carrier operates through four major aviation hubs in Shenzhen, Hangzhou, Beijing, and Ezhou, alongside its wider global network. 

SAL said the partnership reaffirms its commitment to operational excellence across its services and supports the role of the air cargo sector in facilitating trade and strengthening supply chains, while contributing to Saudi Arabia’s competitiveness at both the regional and global levels.