Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) and Etihad Airways have revealed that their cargo divisions are in talks about greater cooperation in the air cargo sector.
The two Middle Eastern carriers’ are looking to cooperate more as they said they have recognised the increasing volumes of freighter traffic flowing into and out of the UAE and the Saudi Arabia.
Saudia and Etihad announced the news at the announcement of a new codeshare partnership on passenger routes where both airlines also said they plan on greater commercial cooperation cargo, and engineering and maintenance.
Etihad Airways Engineering will also provide provide select maintenance services for Saudia aircraft at its MRO facility in Abu Dhabi.
In 2017, Saudia Cargo carried more than 637,000 tonnes of freight. Last year, Etihad Cargo carried more than 28,000 tonnes of cargo between Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
Saudi Arabia Airlines director general, Saleh bin Naser Al-Jasser said: “The new partnership broadens aviation and transport links with the United Arab Emirates, building on the extensive aviation investment and strong foundation in the sector.
Etihad Aviation Group chief executive officer, Tony Douglas added: “The ties shared between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are the deepest that the two nations have, and therefore we are extremely proud to play our role and bring the two flag carriers together in this unique partnership.”
