Gulf carriers bulk up their fleets
Saudia Cargo will double its fleet, adding four Boeing 777-200F jets over more than two years.
Saudia Cargo plans to double its fleet by adding four Boeing 777-200F jets over the next two years, as Saudi Arabia aims to become a logistics hub connecting three continents, according to an executive quoted by Asharq Al-Awsat. The aircraft will transport heavy and temperature-sensitive goods nonstop on long-haul routes. Other Gulf carriers have also been increasing their freight capacity during the conflict.
Emirates SkyCargo conducted the first commercial Boeing 777-300 passenger-to-freighter conversion in July, moving over 100 tons from Hong Kong to Dubai. Qatar Airways and Etihad Airways are also expanding through dedicated freighters and belly capacity. However, this new capacity is arriving before the freight has fully returned.
Middle East carriers' cargo traffic rose by 1.7% year-on-year in July, compared to a 4.0% increase in capacity, according to IATA. Meanwhile, volumes on vital routes from Europe and Asia to the Middle East have declined for the fifth consecutive month.
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