Saudia Cargo has appointed Loay Mashabi as managing director, starting October 8, 2023.

Together with Saudia Cargo chief executive Teddy Zebitz, Mashabi will oversee several functions and strategic initiatives to ensure the cargo airline’s continued growth.

Mashabi said: “With this new chapter in my career I am excited to continue serving the Saudi logistics sector and bring forth the untapped potential in the region.”

Mashabi is the former deputy minister for logistics services at the Ministry of Transportation and Logistics Services, has an extensive background in the logistics sector, and has played a pivotal role in the efforts to bolster Saudi Arabia’s position as a logistics hub.

Throughout his career Mashabi has held various positions in both the private and government sectors, and has also acted as board member of Saudia Cargo, Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones (MODON), Riyadh Integrated (Transportation, Logistics, Supply Chain and Storage), and Saudi Exports Authority.

Saudia Cargo is on a growth path and transformation to reach a vast international presence through expanding its dedicated freighter fleet to become one of the world’s top 10 largest air cargo carriers in the coming years.

Zebitz said: “We are thrilled to have Loay on board and to welcome him to the Saudia Cargo family.

“His background and vast experience in the field will prove to be invaluable in our efforts to drive forward Saudia Cargo’s ambitious growth plans.”

Mashabi said: “Saudia Cargo will, without a doubt, be just the right place to accomplish great feats in placing Saudi Arabia in the centre of the logistics map.”

Mashabi holds an Executive MBA from the London Business School and a BSc in Petroleum Engineering from King Fahd University.