Riyadh Airports Company (RAC) has reported that the ‘Cargo Village' at King Khalid International Airport (KKIA), located across an area of 275,000 m2, has significantly contributed to increasing the efficiency of air cargo traffic in Saudi Arabia, and developing the freight industry in general, since its establishment in January 2020. RAC CEO Mohammed Al Maghlouth said, "The Cargo Village serves as a state-of-the-art logistical platform supporting the transformation of Riyadh city as the strategic go-to logistics hub for the region. RAC is working to support all air freight companies to ensure readiness and resilience to supply operations seamlessly in these times." Reports demonstrate that the total number of air cargo flights had reached 2,673 by the end of September 2020. Furthermore, the Cargo Village at Riyadh Airport stands as the largest in terms of air cargo transport in the Kingdom, with the number of destinations exceeding 50 globally. Reports have illustrated that the total weight of express air cargo shipments amounted to 521,103 kg, the total weight of the number of shipments received weighed in at 300,087 kg, and the total weight of express cargo reached 821,190 kg by the end of September 2020. The total weight of the shipped general cargo amounted to 13,905,913 kg, while the total weight of the general cargo received reached 46,202,845 kg. As such, the weight of the general cargo totaled 60,108,758 kg by the end of Q3 2020. RAC highlighted that it is working closely with all stakeholders, with the support of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), to develop the capabilities of the Cargo Village, conduct business adhering to all precautionary measures, while ensuring consistency in the flow of goods and commodities. RAC is committed to providing integrated solutions for one-site cargo to process all imports, exports, and distribution processes at a singular location. RAC's innovative and highly efficient digital solutions present an array of exceptional features equipped to meet the highest standards and specifications in security and safety. RAC acknowledges all efforts exerted in implementing health and safety requirements through intensifying sterilization and disinfection of the air cargo company buildings, while following global safety and health standards. In addition, RAC has increased operational efficiency after the suspension of air-based ports to compensate for the cargoes that were scheduled to be transported by commercial airplanes. — SG
