Handling company SATS has been supporting cargo operations for Kuwait’s Jazeera Airways A320neo aircraft at its base at King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, Saudi Arabia.
Following the latest Middle East crisis and closure of the country’s International Airport, the low-cost carrier has established alternative air-land connections to Kuwait, in Dammam, where SATS operates a 60,000 sqm cargo facility, and at Qaisumah–Hafar Al-Batin International Airport in Saudi Arabia.
The SATS station in Dammam began serving Jazeera’s cargo connection to Kuwait on 26 March, managing all air cargo shipments for the airline. These include general cargo and perishables such as frozen meats, fruit and vegetables for overland transport to Kuwait.
Operating from two airports in Saudi Arabia has enabled a significant scale-up of Jazeera’s operations.
Chief executive of SATS APAC Gateway Services, Bob Chi, said: “Through the movement of passengers and essential cargo such as food, pharmaceutical supplies, and critical spare parts, we hope to help maintain and keep vital air cargo connectivity open into Kuwait during this challenging period.
“As the situation in the Middle East adjusts to a new dynamic, we will leverage SATS’ global network across 27 countries to minimise disruptions to customers. SATS will continue working closely with airline and logistics partners to facilitate the safe handling, storage and onward movement of cargo as routes and schedules evolve.”
Jazeera Airways chief executive, Barathan Pasupathi, added: “In the face of unprecedented operational challenges, Jazeera Airways has moved quickly to establish a cross-border air-land model that keeps Kuwait connected. Our partnership with SATS, a well renowned and world class organization headquartered in Singapore, is a critical part of this effort, ensuring the uninterrupted flow of essential cargo including food items and other vital supplies. Together, we are not only maintaining connectivity, but reinforcing a lifeline for the community and the wider economy during this period.”
SATS operates three cargo facilities in Saudi Arabia, in the capital, Riyadh, as well as Dammam near the Persian Gulf, and in Jeddah along the Red Sea. SATS also has a cargo facility in Oman.
