Southern Air Holdings, based in Norwalk, Connecticut, US, has announced the addition of  Saudi Airlines Cargo Company to its list of blue chip global clients.

Southern Air and Saudi Cargo Company have signed a definitive agreement under which Southern Air will operate one Boeing 747 freighter on behalf of Saudi cargo on an ACMI basis (aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance).  The aircraft will begin to be operated for SACC in July 2011 and will be painted in its livery.

Fahad Hammad, chief executive officer of Saudi cargo, said: “We welcome Southern Air to our roster of ACMI providers.  Southern Air's offers the widest selection of wide body freighters with their 747-200s and B777LRF programme and the introduction of the 747-400’s will be an important attraction for us. We look forward to working with the Southern team."

Southern Air’s chief executive officer, Daniel J. McHugh, commented: “Leading carriers continue to recognise the value that our outstanding operating platform and decades of global experience can bring to their own businesses.  We look forward to establishing a long-term relationship with Saudi cargo and are committed to exceeding their expectations by delivering excellent results and service.”

With a network of more than 225 domestic and international stations and sub-stations, Saudi Airlines Cargo now has a strong presence in most world markets with improved airfreight services being rendered with its fleet of 12 cargo aircraft fleet and cargo space available on board 125 passenger aircraft of Saudi Arabian Airlines.  -TradeArabia News Service