Saudi Arabia’s SAL Logistics acquires Aviapartner Liège in first international expansion

Saudi Arabia’s SAL Logistics Services Company has completed the acquisition of Aviapartner Liège, marking the company’s first operational expansion outside the Kingdom and establishing a strategic foothold at one of Europe’s leading air cargo hubs.

The acquisition, valued at SAR120 million (US$31.4 million), was completed in cash using SAL’s internal resources after receiving all required regulatory approvals. As a result, SAL’s network expands to 20 cargo stations and gains a permanent operating base at Liège Airport, Europe’s fifth-largest cargo airport by freight volume.

Liège Airport handled more than one million tonnes of cargo annually and has experienced cargo growth of more than 50% since 2018, reinforcing its position as one of Europe’s fastest-growing freight gateways. Located within Europe’s so-called “Golden Triangle” of logistics, the airport provides direct access to major markets in Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, France and Luxembourg, while offering 24-hour operations without night curfews.

Through the acquisition, SAL takes ownership of an established cargo handling and warehouse logistics specialist with decades of experience serving airlines, freight forwarders and logistics companies. Aviapartner Liège provides cargo handling, ramp services, warehousing and specialist logistics for high-value sectors including pharmaceuticals, perishables, automotive products and other temperature-sensitive or time-critical shipments.

SAL Chief Executive Officer Omar Talal Hariri described the transaction as a key milestone in the company’s international growth strategy.

“Our ambition is not only to grow our footprint, but to build a platform that connects markets, capabilities and customers across key global trade corridors,” he said, adding that Aviapartner Liège provides the expertise and customer relationships needed to strengthen SAL’s international offering.

The acquisition supports SAL’s broader strategy of expanding beyond Saudi Arabia while strengthening logistics links between the Kingdom and international markets. The move also aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 and the country’s National Transport and Logistics Strategy, which aims to position Saudi Arabia as a leading global logistics hub.

For Liège Airport, the transaction further underlines the growing international appeal of its cargo platform, which continues to attract major global logistics and aviation players seeking access to the European freight market