Saudi Arabian carrier Riyadh Air has begun cargo operations using belly capacity on its passenger fleet, reported London's Air Cargo News.

Riyadh Cargo's strategy includes utilising capacity on more than 120 widebody aircraft on order. The airline plans to operate 50 Airbus A350-1000s, 60 Airbus A321neos and 39 Boeing 787-9s, with another 33 787-9s unconfirmed.

The airline currently has one Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner leased from Oman Air, which launched daily flights from Riyadh's King Khalid International to Heathrow last year.

Riyadh Cargo has already moved substantial volumes on the Riyadh-London route, including garments, textiles, flowers, seafood, tea and coffee. Global head of cargo Pravin Singh said the brand was built with a focus on discipline, reliability and scalability.

Backed by the Saudi Public Investment Fund, Riyadh Air aims to connect Riyadh with 100 destinations by 2030.

To support operations, Riyadh Cargo has partnered with CHAMPS's Cargo spot-neo digital platform, enabling enhanced data visibility and operational control.

Riyadh Air has also appointed SATS Saudia Arabia for cargo handling, signed a deal with Unilode for ULD supply and management, and named FlyUs Aviation as General Sales Agent for the UK and Ireland.