Saudia Cargo Expands Freighter Fleet with Four Boeing 777-200 Freighters to Strengthen Global Cargo Ambition

AeroMorning July 6, 2026

Saudia Cargo signs agreement for four Boeing 777 Freighters

July 6, 2026 – Jeddah, Saudi Arabia — Saudia Cargo has announced the expansion of its dedicated freighter fleet with the addition of four Boeing 777-200 Freighters, also known as Boeing 777F aircraft. The agreement was signed in Jeddah on July 6, 2026 with Boeing as part of Saudia Group’s strategy to increase cargo capacity and strengthen Saudi Arabia’s position as a global logistics hub.

The signing ceremony took place in the presence of Eng. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, with representatives from Saudia Group, Saudia Cargo and Boeing Saudi Arabia participating in the agreement.

The first aircraft is scheduled to be delivered in the fourth quarter of 2026, while the remaining three aircraft are expected to join the fleet progressively during 2027.

A strategic investment aligned with Saudi Vision 2030

The fleet expansion forms part of Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy to transform the Kingdom into a global logistics and trade hub under Saudi Vision 2030 and the National Transport and Logistics Strategy.

Saudia Cargo aims to increase its ability to serve growing international cargo flows, particularly in sectors such as:

• e-commerce;
• pharmaceuticals and healthcare products;
• high-value industrial goods;
• automotive components;
• time-sensitive shipments;
• Saudi exports requiring global connectivity.

The company stated that the additional aircraft would strengthen its international network and improve its ability to connect Saudi Arabia with major commercial markets across multiple continents.

The investment reflects a wider regional trend in the Middle East, where airlines and logistics operators are expanding dedicated freighter capacity to capture increasing demand for air cargo and strengthen their role in global supply chains.

Saudia Cargo’s current freighter fleet

Before this announcement, Saudia Cargo operated a dedicated fleet of four Boeing 777 Freighters, according to industry sources covering the transaction. The new order will therefore double the company’s 777F fleet to eight aircraft once deliveries are completed.

Saudia Cargo has historically operated different generations of widebody freighters, including Boeing 747 freighters and Boeing 777 Freighters. Over recent years, the company has progressively moved toward more efficient twin-engine widebody aircraft to improve economics and operational flexibility.

In addition to its dedicated freighter fleet, Saudia Cargo also uses available belly cargo capacity from Saudia passenger aircraft and has expanded its cargo capabilities through partnerships and additional capacity solutions.

The company reported strong operational performance in 2025, transporting more than 573,000 tonnes of cargo through approximately 4,000 flights and a network covering more than 90 destinations, according to industry reporting.

Boeing 777 Freighter: the backbone of long-haul cargo operations

The Boeing 777 Freighter is one of the most important aircraft types in the global air cargo market.

Based on the Boeing 777-200LR platform, the 777F is a factory-built freighter designed specifically for cargo operations. Unlike passenger aircraft converted into freighters, the 777F was engineered from the beginning with:

• a reinforced structure;
• a large main-deck cargo door;
• optimized cargo loading systems;
• high payload capability;
• long-range performance.

The aircraft can carry approximately 103 tonnes of payload, making it one of the most capable twin-engine freighters currently in operation.

Its combination of capacity, range and fuel efficiency has made the aircraft a preferred solution for major cargo carriers worldwide.

The aircraft is particularly suited to routes linking major logistics hubs across:

• Asia;
• Europe;
• North America;
• the Middle East;
• Africa.

The decision to expand the Boeing 777 Freighter fleet rather than wait for Boeing’s next-generation 777-8 Freighter appears to reflect both operational and strategic considerations.

By selecting additional 777Fs, Saudia Cargo benefits from full fleet commonality with its existing four aircraft of the same type, allowing the company to leverage existing pilot training, maintenance capabilities, operational procedures and spare-parts infrastructure.

In addition, the current 777F offers earlier availability, with deliveries scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026, while the 777-8 Freighter remains under development and is expected to enter service later. This approach enables Saudia Cargo to immediately increase long-haul cargo capacity while preparing for future fleet evolution.

For Saudia Cargo, the 777F provides the capability to operate long-haul missions efficiently while supporting Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become a central logistics hub between East and West.

Strengthening Saudi Arabia’s position in global air freight

The additional Boeing 777 Freighters will allow Saudia Cargo to increase capacity on strategic international routes and respond to the continued growth of global air freight demand.

The Middle East has become one of the most competitive regions in the cargo aviation sector, with major operators such as Emirates SkyCargo, Qatar Airways Cargo and Etihad Cargo investing heavily in widebody freighter fleets.

By expanding its 777F fleet, Saudia Cargo aims to strengthen its competitive position while supporting the Kingdom’s industrial diversification strategy.

The acquisition also reinforces the role of Jeddah and Riyadh as emerging logistics gateways connecting Asia, Europe and Africa.

Conclusion: a major step in Saudia Cargo’s transformation

The agreement for four additional Boeing 777 Freighters represents a significant milestone in Saudia Cargo’s long-term development strategy.

The expansion will:

• double its dedicated Boeing 777F fleet;
• increase long-haul cargo capacity;
• support Saudi Vision 2030 logistics objectives;
• improve connectivity between Saudi Arabia and global markets;
• strengthen Saudia Cargo’s position in international air freight.

With global supply chains becoming increasingly dependent on reliable air cargo capacity, the investment demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s determination to build a stronger presence in the global logistics industry.