Summary The PIF seeks to establish a new cargo airline with Boeing 777s and Airbus A350 freighters. Saudia is to focus on religious flying while Riyadh Air competes globally against Qatar Airways and Emirates. PIF's new cargo airline will face competition from Emirates & Qatar Airways, who have significant cargo fleets and additional orders.
Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) is reportedly looking at establishing a brand new cargo airline, supported by new orders with both Boeing and Airbus according to a recent report by Bloomberg . The PIF acts as the sovereign wealth fund of Saudi Arabia and was set up in 1971 by the country and is currently overseen by Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman. The report cites unnamed sources that are “familiar with the matter” and notes that the new cargo operation would complement and serve Saudia the flag-carrier, and Riyadh Air the country’s latest airline startup.
Boeing 777s and Airbus A350 freighters Bloomberg’s sources also mention the Boeing 777 and Airbus A350 freighter variants to be of primary interest to the PIF, despite discussions being at an “early stage.” The PIF is not only speaking to the manufacturers but also lessors in an attempt to secure a deal of some kind. Saudi Arabia’s continued push in the aviation industry comes as no surprise as it continues ambitions to invest in industry’s other than oil.
It recently launched Riyadh Air, through which it hopes to compete on a global scale against neighboring Qatar Airways and Emirates . As we reported previously, current flag carrier Saudia will transition into the country’s secondary airline , focusing primarily on religious flying. Its main base will be Jeddah, a gateway to the Islamic holy cities of Mecca and medina.
While Saudia will retain this religious focus, Riyadh Air will soar to a more international level. Get all the latest aviation news right here on Simple Flying Saudia Cargo and its competitors According to ch-aviation data, Saudia Cargo’s current fleet is very much limited. Its most modern planes are its Boeing 777-200Fs, of which it has four.
They have an average age of 9.1 years old and operate worldwide. Destinations include Guangzhou, Hong Kong and Liège for instance.
They are each adorned with the Saudia Cargo livery. The rest of the fleet is made up of three Boeing 747-400Fs, with their characteristics laid out below. Registration Age Status 9H-AKJ 27.
79 years old Active 9H-AKA 29.59 years old Active 9H-AKF 29.67 years old Maintenance in Taipei As mentioned, the targeted competitors to Saudi Arabia’s new cargo airline would be Emirates and Qatar Airways.
Their respective fleets are fairly significant at the moment, especially relative to Saudia Cargo’s current one. Both airlines also have several orders for additional cargo planes, meaning the PIF will need to work hard to really make a dent in their operations and ultimately steal market share in the region. Emirates SkyCargo has a fleet of 15 aircraft according to ch-aviation.
Similarly, it includes a mix of Boeing 777-200Fs and Boeing 747-400Fs. In July, the airline announced an order for five more 777 freighters, with deliveries planned between 2025 and 2026. These aircraft would be used to increase capacity.
It also says that the new planes will serve to “ retire older freighters,” likely referring to the Boeing 747s. Commenting on its cargo fleet, Emirates said the following in a statement last month: “In addition to the 10 Boeing 777Fs on order, the airline’s cargo capabilities will be bolstered by the 10 777-300ERs currently being converted into freighters, taking Emirates’ freighter fleet to 17 aircraft by the end of 2025. Emirates and Boeing have announced an order for five 777Fs worth $1 billion.
Harnessing the Emirates passenger fleet, the cargo division will continue to facilitate the fast, reliable and efficient movement of goods worldwide, offering customers more flexibility with a fleet mix comprised of 777s, 777-Fs, 747Fs, A350s, and A380s.” Qatar Airways has a more streamlined fleet in its cargo division. It has a total of 28 Boeing 777-200Fs in service, with an average age of just 7 years old.
It also has 34 Boeing 777-8Fs on order, with the first delivery planned for 2027. The agreement also lists options for an additional 16 planes, which if exercised would bring the total investment to roughly $20 billion at list prices..
