Saudia Cargo Leads the Way with 19% Annual Growth in Pharma Deliveries

Saudia Cargo is hoping to benefit from increasing pharma demand in the Middle East after seeing volumes in the vertical increase by double-digit percentage levels since 2019.

The carrier said that it had experienced 19% annual growth in pharmaceutical shipments since 2019.

Over that time, the carrier has operated around 740 full-freighter flights and handled an average of 16,000 tonnes of medicines and vaccines each year, including 39m doses of AstraZeneca, Moderna, and Pfizer, from its hubs in Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam.

Saudia Cargo chief executive Teddy Zebitz said: “We take great pride in our remarkable growth in pharmaceutical shipments over the last four years.

“As the Middle East’s pharmaceutical market continues to expand rapidly, we are fully committed to providing cutting-edge temperature-controlled packaging options and unmatched expertise to ensure the safe and reliable transportation of pharmaceutical products.

“Our dedication to safety, security, and excellence in pharmaceutical logistics remains unparalleled, and we will continue to play a crucial role in safeguarding humanity through our services.”

As part of efforts to increase pharma volumes, the carrier has recently partnered with industry group Pharma Aero as well as container firms Swiss Airtainer, Sonoco Envirotainer, DoKaSch, CSafe, va-Q-tec, SkyCell and Tower Cold Chain.