Saudia Cargo & Alfaisal University partner on AI in logistics

In a significant move to bridge academia and the aviation logistics industry, Alfaisal University has officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Saudi Airlines Cargo Company (Saudia Cargo). The strategic agreement establishes a comprehensive framework for cooperation focused heavily on academic and scientific research, specifically tailored to serve the rapidly evolving fields of artificial intelligence and the global logistics sector.

The partnership was formalised in Riyadh by Dr. Khaled Al-Kattan, Vice President for Finance and Administration and Dean of the College of Medicine at Alfaisal University, alongside Mr. Hashim H. Alsharif, Vice President of Strategy at Saudia Cargo. Together, the two institutions will pioneer joint research programmes that integrate Alfaisal’s students, faculty, and administrative staff into real-world logistics operations and the deployment of emerging technologies.

A core component of the MoU is targeted curriculum development. By aligning academic instruction with the pressing demands of the private sector, the initiative ensures that graduates are equipped with highly relevant, future-proof skills. Furthermore, the agreement facilitates short-term internships for both male and female students at Saudia Cargo’s headquarters. These opportunities will be offered through cooperative training programmes as well as the Tamheer on-the-job training initiative, provided all eligibility requirements are met by the candidates.

The collaboration extends well beyond student placement. Both entities are committed to organising specialised workshops and comprehensive training programmes centred on the application of artificial intelligence in logistics. This will be supplemented by jointly hosted conferences, seminars, scientific lectures, and innovative initiatives designed to modernise and advance logistics services across the region. Additionally, Saudia Cargo will actively explore development pathways for its own workforce by leveraging the University’s extensive academic, training, and professional development resources.

This landmark agreement capitalises on Alfaisal University’s growing prominence in the field of artificial intelligence. The institution’s College of Engineering and Advanced Computing currently offers a rigorous Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence, which mandates a summer industry internship. Furthermore, the University provides a Master of Science in Applied Artificial Intelligence that delves deeply into machine learning, data science, and complex AI systems. The university’s dedicated Artificial Intelligence Centre remains at the forefront of AI research and teaching, actively building robust industry partnerships, while its AI Academy continues to introduce pre-college students to the discipline through immersive summer programmes.

Commenting on the strategic importance of the partnership, Dr. Khaled Al-Kattan stated, “Artificial intelligence is reshaping how goods move around the world, and logistics is central to the Kingdom’s ambitions under Saudi Vision 2030. Our partnership with Saudia Cargo connects Alfaisal’s work in AI, from our undergraduate and graduate programs to our research, with one of the region’s leading air cargo operators, so that our students and faculty can work on real challenges in a sector of national importance,”

The MoU firmly builds upon Alfaisal University’s overarching strategy of expanding horizons for its academic community through robust private-sector alliances. Since being established by the King Faisal Foundation in 2002, the university has consistently blended rigorous teaching, cutting-edge research, and active industry engagement within a highly student-centred environment, giving students practical experience that links their education with the needs of the labour market.

Dr. Al-Kattan added: “Training our students alongside Saudia Cargo’s professionals, and opening our programs to its employees, creates a two-way exchange of knowledge. Together, we aim to develop national talent and support innovation and transformation in the logistics sector.”

For his part, Hashim Alsharif, Vice President of Strategy, stated: At Saudi Cargo, we fully recognize that integrating academic expertise with smart solutions and artificial intelligence technologies plays a pivotal role in advancing the logistics sector’s aspirations. From this perspective, we take pride in our partnership with Alfaisal University to collaborate on joint research programs and curriculum development aligned with market needs. Furthermore, this agreement opens broader horizons for field training and professional development for both students and staff, ultimately enhancing air cargo efficiency and nurturing national talent to serve as a key driver for the future of logistics in the Kingdom.'

To ensure the successful execution of these ambitious goals, a dedicated steering committee has been formed. The committee, which includes HH Princess Aljohara bint Faisal bin Musaad Al Saud, Director of Alumni & Placement Relations at Alfaisal University, and Eng. Majdi Alrehaili, Executive Director of External Affairs at Saudia Cargo, will closely monitor the progress of all activities operating under the newly signed MoU.