(SAUDI ARABIA) Saudia Cargo has signed a wet lease with ASL Aviation Holdings for two converted Airbus A330-300P2F freighters, a move aimed at fast growth in global cargo capacity and stronger links for e‑commerce and express shipments. The companies confirmed the deal on August 14–15, 2025, with the first aircraft due to start operations with ASL Airlines Ireland in September 2025 and both aircraft to be handed over to Saudia Cargo in Q4 2025. The ACMI model means ASL Aviation provides the aircraft, crew, maintenance, and insurance, while Saudia Cargo manages sales and network planning.
Aircraft capabilities and conversion details
The aircraft type—A330-300P2F (Passenger-to-Freighter conversion)—adds medium- to long-range lift with strong economics for high-volume goods.
- Payload: 62 tonnes
- Range: about 6,850 km (3,700 nm)
- Cargo positions: 26 main deck pallets plus 11 lower hold pallets (32 LD3 containers)
The first airframe, MSN 1272 (ex‑N810CM, now EI‑LKD), was converted and painted in Saudia colors at Shannon Airport in June 2025, signaling a quick path to entry into service.
Strategic rationale and quotes
Loay Mashabi, CEO and Managing Director of Saudia Cargo, said the deal will expand capacity and improve global reach, keeping supply chains moving for customers. He added the A330-300P2F:
“will support our network capabilities, enabling us to connect markets with greater agility and efficiency,”
and that it helps the Kingdom’s plan to grow as a logistics hub.
Dave Andrew, CEO of ASL Aviation Holdings, called the partnership “a positive statement” for ASL’s growth, saying the aircraft suits Saudia Cargo’s express and e‑commerce needs and will deliver reliable service.
Network, routes, and commercial impact
Under the agreement, the aircraft will serve more than 50 regular destinations across Europe, North America, and Asia, with a focus on fast parcel flows. That scope supports cross‑border routes into the United States 🇺🇸 and Canada 🇨🇦, where e‑commerce volumes continue to rise.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the timing gives Saudia Cargo a ready bridge between seasonal peaks and long‑term fleet planning, without the wait and cost of buying new widebody freighters.
How the ACMI (wet lease) model works
The wet lease structure—often called ACMI for Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, Insurance—helps airlines scale up quickly.
- ASL Aviation supplies:
- aircraft
- crew
- maintenance
- insurance
- Saudia Cargo retains:
- sales
- network planning
- schedule control
- cargo mix decisions
Benefits:
– Rapid capacity increase without capital purchase
– Risk mitigation during demand swings
– Predictable service for shippers needing space weeks or months ahead
Conversion and entry‑into‑service sequence
The conversion path followed a familiar sequence:
- Passenger A330‑300 airframes were modified to freighter layout with a large cargo door.
- Floors were reinforced and cargo handling systems installed.
- Aircraft were registered with ASL Airlines Ireland and repainted for Saudia Cargo.
- After flying within ASL’s operation from September 2025, both aircraft are due for delivery to Saudia Cargo in Q4 2025.
This quick sequence readies the freighters for peak season and beyond.
Operational advantages and payload handling
Shippers will watch how the A330-300P2F changes day‑to‑day service. Its configuration offers:
- Flexibility to carry dense freight (electronics, industrial parts) and lighter e‑commerce parcels
- Reduced rehandling due to a mix of 26 main deck and 11 lower hold pallet/container positions
- Faster turnarounds and lower damage risk
From an operations standpoint, bundling crew, maintenance, and insurance allows Saudia Cargo to focus on schedules, cut‑offs, and hub connection times—critical for express networks needing tight handoffs.
Ground operations and training benefits
For ground teams in Saudi Arabia and overseas stations, the common A330 heritage helps training and handling:
- Many airports already support A330 operations
- Easier parking, loading, and maintenance needs
- Faster ramp turnarounds during peak demand
Market positioning and fleet strategy
Industry analysts often describe the A330-300P2F as a flexible mid‑ to long‑haul workhorse. It:
- Carries more than a 767 freighter
- Offers better trip costs than older widebodies
- Suits markets where volumes are strong but not enough to fill a 777F
Saudia Cargo’s recent ACMI activity shows a clear pattern:
- Earlier in 2025, Saudia added A330‑300 aircraft on wet lease from Wamos Air (February–March)
- The new deal with ASL Aviation deepens the strategy on the pure‑cargo side
Together, these moves aim for more capacity, available quickly, on routes that matter to exporters, importers, and parcel networks.
Strategic context: Vision 2030 and trade lanes
Saudi Arabia’s push to become a leading logistics hub under Vision 2030 sets the policy backdrop. More widebody freighter capacity aligns with plans to connect trade lanes across three continents.
For official aviation policy and regulatory updates, see the General Authority of Civil Aviation at https://gaca.gov.sa.
In practice, the added lift should help time‑critical sectors—health, fashion, electronics, and automotive spares—move goods with shorter transit times and improved schedule reliability.
Customer planning and next steps
For customers planning seasonal moves—holiday retail peaks or product launches—the timeline matters:
- First aircraft flying: September 2025
- Both aircraft on Saudia Cargo’s books: Q4 2025
Saudia Cargo and ASL advise shippers to monitor official channels for schedule, routing, and capacity updates as each aircraft becomes operational.
Contact points:
– Saudia Cargo: www.saudiacargo.com
– ASL Aviation Holdings: www.aslaviationholdings.com
VisaVerge.com reports that the first unit, EI‑LKD, completed conversion and paint in Ireland in June 2025, marking a key milestone in the rollout.
Key takeaway: This ACMI deal provides rapid, reliable lift to support exporters, e‑tailers, and time‑sensitive shipments—helping goods keep moving when supply chains are strained.
The agreement’s benefits extend beyond freight metrics: exporters can keep orders moving, small online stores can reach buyers faster, and families receive parcels more predictably. In a year shaped by tight supply chains, this move aims to keep goods flowing when it counts most.
This Article in a Nutshell
Saudia Cargo’s ACMI deal with ASL Aviation adds two A330-300P2F freighters, boosting 62-tonne payloads and faster e-commerce links. Conversion completed June 2025; flying September with deliveries in Q4. The partnership accelerates capacity, supports Vision 2030 logistics ambitions, and targets more than 50 routes across Europe, North America, and Asia.
