In a bold move that positions Hong Kong as a new strategic launchpad for Middle East–Asia connectivity, Saudia Cargo and TAM Group have formalised a joint venture that will serve as a regional command centre under the newly formed entity, Saudia Cargo Global. This alliance, forged on decades of partnership, is set to redefine air cargo flow across Greater China, Asia Pacific, and beyond — and signals a deeper geopolitical and commercial alignment between Saudi Arabia and the region.

“This is not just a business deal,” said Dr Tam Wing Kun, founder and chairman of TAM Group. “It is a strategic step forward.”

Saudia Cargo launches Saudia Cargo Global in partnership with TAM Group: watch video online

For Saudia Cargo, the move is directly tied to Saudi Arabia’s national agenda. “Not too long ago, Saudi launched its Vision 2030 — with a target to diversify its economy away from oil into manufacturing, tourism, and becoming a hub of the world,” said Loay Mashabi, CEO and Managing Director of Saudia Cargo. “We see ourselves as an enabler to that, and we have a duty to grow to support that.”

Mashabi outlined the pace and scope of change ahead: “Saudi Cargo plans to double its capacity in the next three years, and then some, beyond 2030.” He cited the country’s growing roster of global events — from the Asian Games and Winter Olympics to Expo 2030 and the World Cup in 2034 — as key drivers of growth. “Couple that with tourism opening to all of the world, and to China in particular, this puts us in a position where we have to prepare for all of that.”

Why Hong Kong?

The decision to base Saudia Cargo Global in Hong Kong is both symbolic and strategic. “We selected Hong Kong due to the exceptional support we get from the local government,” said Mashabi. “It is a trade hub. The infrastructure in the airport is magnificent, and coupled with trade facilitation… they supported us to open our joint office, I think five minutes away from here.”

For TAM Group, the choice also affirms Hong Kong’s enduring edge. “This city is a logistics powerhouse, a gateway to the world,” Dr Tam declared. He highlighted the completion of the third runway system at Hong Kong International Airport, which he said had “surged capacity by 30 percent, unlocking unprecedented potential for cargo growth.”

The JV office, now operational, will initially oversee operations in Hong Kong and mainland China. But ambitions run higher. “It has an ambition to grow to serve the rest of the Far East, and maybe beyond, in the next few years,” Mashabi confirmed.

A partnership four decades in the making

TAM and Saudia Cargo’s collaboration spans back nearly 40 years, beginning in 1986 — right in Hong Kong. “Over the years, we grew together,” said Dr Tam. “Expanding into mainland China, the Philippines, the United States, and Chile. What started as a strong client relationship has now evolved into something even greater.”

Mashabi praised TAM’s enduring commitment: “They have served us, and the passenger side as well, for so long. They don’t only serve us in the Far East, but also in the United States.” With that legacy in mind, he said, the joint venture was “a key move to prepare for the future.”

“This partnership is the accumulation of decades of trust, shared ambition, and relentless drive to innovate,” Dr Tam added. “It is a testament to what happens when the strength of long-term partnership becomes elevated into a well-defined common mission.”

Rewiring trade routes and building rconomic impact

While the press release referenced expanded commercial reach, both leaders articulated a deeper purpose for the venture.

“Our job is to connect the traders of the world,” said Mashabi. “It is only incumbent on us to prepare and support that effort.”

Dr Tam echoed that sentiment. “This venture is not only just about moving cargo. It’s about moving economies forward,” he said. “By expanding trade corridors, we aim to create jobs, support local businesses, and reinforce Hong Kong SAR’s position as the region’s undisputed logistics leader.”

The capabilities of Saudia Cargo Global will include dedicated freighter space for e-commerce, temperature-sensitive pharma transport, and full-spectrum end-to-end solutions. “We will leverage cutting-edge technology and our combined expertise to meet the demands of tomorrow’s supply chains,” Dr Tam stated.

For Saudia Cargo, the timing could not be more pivotal. “The Saudi–Chinese relationship is now seeing its best days,” said Mashabi. “Its potential on all fronts — technological, infrastructure, trade, tourism — is growing.”

He was quick to emphasise that the JV is not a one-off expansion. “Companies like us, where our job is to connect the world… we don’t grow alone. We grow with partners that we’ve been working with for decades.”

From TAM’s perspective, this is a rare chance to scale up and reframe what Asian partnerships with Middle Eastern carriers can achieve. “Together, we are not just combining strength. We are creating something entirely new,” said Dr Tam. “It is a privilege to join forces with a national carrier of such global stature.”

People behind the project

In closing, both leaders paid tribute to the teams behind the venture’s realisation.

“My gratitude and thanks go to the people who made this happen,” said Mashabi. He cited Dr Tam and his son Alvin, as well as Teddy Zebitz, the JV’s incoming chairman and former CEO of Saudia Cargo. He also thanked board members Abdulelah Altunisi and Marwan Niazi, along with Vikram Vohra – “our hidden soldier here in the Far East.”

Dr Tam closed with a nod to the future: “This joint venture with a national carrier of Saudi Cargo’s calibre will further enhance Hong Kong’s cargo hub capacities — not just for Greater China, but for all Asia-Pacific and beyond.”