SAUDI ARABIAN Airlines has launched a concerted marketing drive to expand its share of SA business. Since the launch of a bi-weekly service seven years ago, cargo volumes have grown by 30-40%, according to general manager Yusuf Mohammed. The airline deploys a Boeing 777 with 15-20 ton capacity on the route, operating on Saturdays and Mondays. Growing traffic between South Africa and Saudi Arabia is a strong focus, particularly in view of strengthening trade relations between the two countries. And here the statistics speak for themselves. But looking further afield, streamlined transhipment options provide speedy turnaround for cargo destined for Europe, the Far East, North Africa and the Middle East, says Mohammed. “Connections to Europe are extremely slick,” he added. “The airline’s main hub is based in Brussels with much of the cargo distributed from there by truck.” The withdrawal of SA services by Turkish Airlines and Alitalia has opened gaps in those markets which Saudi Airlines is well placed to fill, he said. During peak periods - like the Hajj - additional flights are brought onto the route. The airline has also responded to calls for dedicated freighters, a recent example being the transport of ostriches for the establishment of ostrich farms in the Middle Eastern country. Unlike many other airlines which are largely passenger-driven, Saudi is equally focused on its freight division, says Mohammed. The airline is considering extending the bi-weekly frequency, based on customer demand, he added.
