JEDDAH – Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport has been awarded the “Best Cargo Airport” at Cargo Airline of the Year 2013, Saudi Airlines Cargo announced Sunday.



The award, based on annual cargo tonnage, was granted for the category 100,000 to 350,000 metric tons of cargo in recognition of the airport’s success in increasing its total cargo by 17 percent from 2011 to 2012.  



Organized by Air Cargo News, the 30th anniversary of Cargo Airline of the Year – known as the ‘Oscars’ of the industry – was held in London. Accepting the award on behalf of King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh was Saudi Airlines Cargo’s VP Commercial.



Eng. Abdullah Al-Tassan, Director General at King Khaled International Airport,  said: “The airport has grown significantly over recent years, in accordance with the strategic plan approved by His Royal Highness Prince Fahd bin Abdullah, Chairman of the General Authority for Civil Aviation, to increase the absorptive capacity of air cargo at the airport for various types of goods and shipments, as well as postal parcels.”



Cargo at the Riyadh station has shown double-digit growth over the past three years, with Saudia Cargo making enhancements to its handling facility in order to accommodate this growth. The airline, which has the capability of handling all cargo products, is planning to build a brand new facility - expected to be ready in three years’ time - which will enable it to increase the current capacity threefold. – SG