Prime Highlights:
- SAL Saudi Logistics Services acquires Aviapartner Liege for $30.3 million, marking its first operational presence in Europe.
- The move will help SAL grow its revenue, improve operations, and strengthen its global logistics footprint.
Key Facts:
- Liege Airport, the fifth-largest cargo hub in Europe, handled over 1.3 million tonnes of cargo in 2025, up 14% from 2024.
- Aviapartner Liege generated revenues of €28.6 million in 2024 and €24.3 million in 2025; the acquisition will be financed through SAL’s cash resources.
Background:
SAL Saudi Logistics Services Co. has agreed to acquire Aviapartner Liege SA for €28 million ($30.3 million), marking the Saudi logistics firm’s entry into the European air cargo market through one of the continent’s key freight hubs.
The agreement, signed with Aviapartner Belgium NV and Aviapartner Holding NV, will see SAL purchase 100 percent of Aviapartner Liege’s share capital on a cash-free and debt-free basis. The company disclosed the deal in a regulatory filing to the Saudi Exchange.
Through the acquisition, SAL will gain a full operational presence at Liege Airport, one of Europe’s fastest-growing cargo gateways. The move supports SAL’s broader strategy to expand internationally and strengthen its cargo ground-handling and logistics services at global airports.
In its filing, SAL said the deal will help establish an operational base at a major European cargo hub while expanding its international service portfolio. The company says the acquisition will help increase revenue and make operations more efficient by using the airport’s infrastructure and existing airline partnerships.
The move comes as Saudi Arabia invests in aviation and supply-chain development under Vision 2030. SAL, which already provides cargo and logistics services at Saudi airports, has been growing its capabilities to meet rising global demand.
The acquisition is strategically important because Liege Airport has become one of Europe’s major air cargo hubs. It is the fifth-largest cargo airport in Europe and has seen strong growth in recent years.
In 2025, Liege Airport handled over 1.3 million tonnes of cargo, a 14 percent increase from the previous year. This growth shows its rising role as a key gateway for freight between Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
Aviapartner Liege, based in the city of Liege, mainly provides cargo handling and ground services. The company’s revenues were €24.7 million in 2023, €28.6 million in 2024, and €24.3 million in 2025.
SAL will fund the acquisition using its existing cash resources. The transaction remains subject to standard closing conditions and regulatory approvals.
The company expects the acquisition to strengthen its long-term financial performance once the deal closes and Aviapartner Liege’s results are consolidated into SAL’s operations. SAL also confirmed that no related parties were involved in the transaction, which was signed on March 4.
