SAL acquires Aviapartner Liège in 1st overseas expansion

Saudi SAL completes $32m acquisition of Aviapartner Liège, opens first overseas operating base

SAL Logistics Services Company has completed the acquisition of 100 percent of the share capital of Aviapartner Liège SA for approximately $32 million (SAR 120 million), marking the company’s first operational presence outside Saudi Arabia and expanding its global network to 20 stations. The deal was funded in cash through SAL’s internal resources after securing the required regulatory approvals, and gives SAL a direct operating base at Liège Airport in Belgium.

“This acquisition is an important step in the next phase of SAL’s 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,” said Omar Bin Talal Hariri, CEO – SAL Logistics Services. “Aviapartner Liège gives us our first international operating base, supported by specialist expertise and customer relationships that can strengthen the way we serve airlines, freight forwarders and cargo owners. As we scale beyond the Kingdom, we remain focused on building capabilities that support our customers and contribute to the Kingdom’s ambition to become a leading global logistics hub under Vision 2030.”

The acquisition positions SAL at Liège Airport, which the company describes as Europe’s fifth-largest cargo hub by freight volume. The airport handles more than one million tons of cargo annually and ranks among the world’s top 25 cargo airports. Cargo volumes at Liège Airport have increased by more than 50 percent since 2018. Located within Europe’s cargo “Golden Triangle”—through which over 70 percent of European freight moves—Liège offers connectivity to major trade and logistics hubs in Germany, the Netherlands, France and Luxembourg, as well as round‑the‑clock operations and no night‑time curfews.

Through the acquisition SAL gains an established cargo handling and warehouse logistics operator with the backing of the Aviapartner group’s 60‑year presence at the airport. Aviapartner Liège brings existing relationships with airlines, freight forwarders and logistics providers and expertise across multiple service lines, including:

• Cargo handling and ramp assistance
• Warehouse logistics and European road distribution
• Specialist freight processing for pharmaceuticals, perishables, automotive cargo and other high‑value shipments

SAL said the transaction will create synergies across air cargo handling, specialist freight processing, warehouse logistics and European road distribution, strengthening its ability to support cargo flows between Saudi Arabia, Europe and global markets while broadening its service portfolio in high‑value segments.

The company highlighted Liège Airport’s ongoing CargoLand development as a long‑term growth enabler. CargoLand plans include new warehouse infrastructure and expanded airside access aimed at increasing capacity and flight operations through 2040, which SAL expects will create additional opportunities in European cargo markets.

The move aligns with SAL’s stated strategy to expand internationally and to support Saudi Arabia’s National Transport and Logistics Strategy under Vision 2030 by linking the Kingdom more directly with global trade corridors. With the addition of Aviapartner Liège, SAL now operates a network of 20 stations and has its first overseas operating base to build on future cross‑border logistics growth.