AUSTRALIA'S FIRST DIRECT SAUDI CARGO ARRIVAL LANDS AT AVALON AIRPORT MELBOURNE JUST 46 DAYS AFTER LANDMARK AGREEMENT
Avalon Cargo Melbourne today welcomed the commencement of scheduled Saudia Cargo services, with the first direct cargo flight from Saudi Arabia landing at Avalon Airport Melbourne 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 arrangement and marks a significant milestone in the development of a direct freight corridor between Australia and Saudi Arabia.
The Memorandum of Understanding between Avalon Airport Melbourne and the Australia Saudi Logistics Alliance was signed on 9 June. The commencement of scheduled services on 25 July demonstrates the speed at which Avalon Airport Melbourne can move from strategic agreement to operational delivery.
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," Mr Suss said.
"This is tangible proof that 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.
"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."
The Hon. Melissa Horne MP, Victorian Minister for Ports and Freight, said the new service would strengthen Victoria'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," Minister 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."
Australian exports to Saudi Arabia reached approximately AUD $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.
"Moving from agreement to scheduled operations in just 46 days demonstrates what can be achieved when industry, government and logistics partners work together with a shared objective," Mr Jamsheedi said.
"This first arrival is an important step in building a stronger freight corridor between Australia and Saudi Arabia and creating new commercial opportunities for businesses in both countries."
The commencement of scheduled Saudia Cargo services marks another milestone in the growth of Avalon Cargo Melbourne and supports Avalon Airport Melbourne's development as a major international aviation, logistics and trade gateway.