Saudi Arabia plans to launch several initiatives over the next 12 to 18 months in an effort to convince companies such as Amazon, Alibaba andDHLa subsidiary of Deutsche Post, to contribute to its plan to expand the scope of activity in the air transport and logistics sector.
Mohammed Fahd al-Harisi, vice president of strategy at the General Civil Aviation Authority of Saudi Arabia, said in an interview last week that the kingdom will invite private companies to establish partnerships and establish facilities for shipping, storage and distribution activities. The plan for the development of the air transport and logistics sector aims to increase the amount of cargo handled to 4.5 million tons per year, by the end of the decade. This will be part of an overall plan with an investment of 100 billion dollars to increase aviation activity and air transport within the framework of the “Vision 2030” strategy to reform the Saudi economy and reduce its dependence on oil.
Al-Harisi added on the sidelines of his participation in the Farnborough International Air Show, southwest of London, that Saudi Arabia is working to expand its airport infrastructure and establish a new airline whose headquarters will be in Riyadh. According to him, these steps are progressing well.’