Avalon lands first direct Saudia Cargo flight
Avalon Airport Melbourne received Australia's first direct Saudia Cargo flight, just 46 days after signing a landmark logistics MoU on June 9.
Avalon Cargo Melbourne today (Saturday July 25) welcomed the commencement of scheduled Saudia Cargo services, the first direct cargo flight from Saudi Arabia landing at the airport just 46 days after a landmark Memorandum of Understanding was signed.
The arrival makes Avalon Airport Melbourne the first Australian airport to receive freight under the Australia Saudi Logistics Alliance (ASL Alliance) arrangement, marking a significant milestone in the development of a direct freight corridor between Australia and Saudi Arabia.
The MoU between Avalon Airport Melbourne and the ASL Alliance was signed on June 9. Scheduled services commenced today (July 25), demonstrating the speed at which the airport can move from strategic agreement to operational delivery.
Saudia Cargo first flight, a B747-400 freighter, landing at Avalon Airport
The new service will strengthen cargo connectivity between Australia, Saudi Arabia and the broader Gulf Cooperation Council region, providing greater access for exporters across agriculture, pharmaceuticals, advanced manufacturing and e-commerce.
Avalon Airport Melbourne CEO Ari Suss said the commencement of scheduled Saudia Cargo services was an important step in Avalon's transformation.
"Today's commencement of scheduled Saudia Cargo services is another important milestone in Avalon's transformation from a traditional passenger airport into a major international aviation, logistics and trade gateway," Suss said.
"This is tangible proof Avalon's cargo strategy is delivering. We invested in world-class freight infrastructure because we believed the future growth opportunity lay in international logistics, e-commerce and trade. Today, we are seeing that vision become reality,” he said during a special ceremony welcoming Saudia Cargo’s B747-400 freighter.
Ari Suss and Sam Jamsheedi at Avalon Airport
"Avalon Cargo Melbourne is rapidly becoming the airport global cargo operators want to work with. Our curfew-free operations, available capacity and modern freight facilities provide a compelling alternative for international logistics businesses."
Victoria’s Minister for Ports and Freight, Melissa Horne, who attended the ceremony, said the new service would strengthen the state’s international freight capability and create new opportunities for exporters.
"The start of scheduled Saudia Cargo services at Avalon Airport Melbourne is an important step in Victoria's freight and logistics sector," Horne said.
"Stronger international cargo connections help Victorian businesses reach new markets, improve supply-chain resilience and support jobs across our freight, logistics and export industries. This service reinforces Victoria's position as a leading freight and trade gateway and demonstrates the value of continued investment in modern aviation and logistics infrastructure,” she added.
Unloading Saudia Cargo’s B747-400 freighter at Avalon Airport
Australia's exports to Saudi Arabia reached approximately A$882 million in 2025, with the direct freight corridor expected to create further opportunities for exporters seeking faster access to the Kingdom and the broader Gulf region.
Direct services can reduce reliance on third-country trans-shipment hubs, improving speed, efficiency and reliability for time-sensitive and high-value freight.
Australia Saudi Logistics Alliance representative and Chairman of the Australia Saudi Business Chambers, Sam Jamsheedi, said the commencement of services demonstrated the practical outcomes being delivered through the partnership.
Avalon Airport Melbourne is Victoria's second international airport and is rapidly expanding its role as a major freight, logistics and employment hub through Avalon Cargo. Located between Melbourne and Geelong, Avalon Airport serves passenger, cargo, aerospace and industrial sectors and is home to one of Australia's fastest-growing logistics precincts.
Earlier this month Avalon Cargo Melbourne signed an MoU with dnata to explore freight handling collaboration, evaluating opportunities to expand international cargo volumes and strengthen Avalon's role as an emerging trade gateway. The partnership supports Avalon's vision of becoming a major international freight hub by expanding trade opportunities for Australian producers and manufacturers and strengthening ties with a global aviation and logistics leader.
The ASL Alliance is a not-for-profit industry committee established by the Australia Saudi Business Council & Forum. The Alliance works with government, industry, airports, airlines, freight operators, importers, exporters, and investors to strengthen logistics connectivity and facilitate trade between Australia and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
