SAL moves into Europe with Belgium cargo handling deal

Saudi-based SAL Logistics Services Company has signed an agreement to acquire Belgian ground handling and cargo company Aviapartner Liège SA in a deal valued at around SAR123 million ($32.8 million). The acquisition gives SAL a direct presence at Liège Airport, one of Europe’s major air cargo hubs.

The move is expected to strengthen cargo links between the Middle East and Europe at a time when logistics companies are looking to expand international handling networks. By operating at a major European cargo gateway, SAL can increase its access to airline customers, improve cargo connectivity and widen its service offerings beyond Saudi Arabia. The deal may also help the company reduce dependence on the domestic market by adding new overseas revenue streams.

Aviapartner Liège provides cargo and ground handling services for airlines operating through Belgium. The company already has infrastructure and operational systems in place at the airport, which could help SAL expand more quickly into the European market. The agreement also reflects growing investment by Gulf logistics firms in overseas cargo assets as competition increases in the global air freight sector.