Dhaka: Saudi Arabian Airlines is eyeing to introduce freighter flights between Europe and the US. However, the airline faced some resistance from US airlines for this purpose.

In late December, 2021, Saudia Cargo applied to the US Department of Transportation for a limited exemption for seventh freedom rights to operate all-cargo flights to Liege, New York JFK and Chicago O’Hare.

However, US airlines in a response mentioned that they do not have seventh freedom rights to operate flights to Saudi Arabia. They even questioned if the flights by Saudia are in public interest.

Saudia said it would consult with the Kingdom’s government about the possibility of providing reciprocal seventh-freedom rights to American all-cargo airlines, argueing, the flights would be in public’s interest.

Saudia expressed that this limited exemption is requested to serve the public interest by helping to alleviate the supply chain delays caused by the increased volume of air cargo between Europe and the US following the coronavirus pandemic.

Granting the application will also hugely benefit US consumers and businesses by expanding the possibility of all-cargo air transportation services between the US and Europe and beyond, the airline noted.