SkyTeam Cargo appoints Saudia Cargo CEO Omar Hariri as chairman

November 03, 2020: SkyTeam Cargo has appointed Omar Hariri as the new chairman of its executive board. He replaces Shawn Cole, VP cargo of Delta Airlines, who held the position for three years.

Hariri is the CEO of both Saudi Airlines Cargo Company (Saudia Cargo) and Saudi Arabian Logistics Company (SAL).

Commenting on his new role, Hariri said, “It will be an honour chairing the executive board of SkyTeam Cargo, the largest alliance in the cargo industry accounting for nearly 20 percent of the global air cargo movement. SkyTeam Cargo with its two decades of formulation has come a long way and with its 12-member airlines reaching every corner of the globe, enjoys a vast geographic reach and connectivity between the east, west and vice versa.” 

Hariri joined Saudia Cargo as CEO in February 2018, bringing with him an extensive experience in air freight and logistics management from his diversified roles at DHL Express and FedEx Express.

“I would like to thank Shawn for his contributions during the last three years and SkyTeam Cargo Alliance and its members for giving me this opportunity. Moving forward, we will continue focusing on actively promoting and strengthening the alliance between the members and at the same time focusing on enhancing our technologically driven operational and network capability to ensure an outclass experience for our customers. With the growing demand for pharma and e-commerce, our aim is to continue exploring new markets while enhancing connectivity and efficient deliveries, further grow and strengthening the core business of our 12-member airlines.”

Saudia Cargo is the member of SkyTeam Cargo since April 2019. 

“It has been a pleasure serving as chairman of the cargo executive board,” Cole commented. “During my time as chairman, we focused on building connectivity, sourcing with economies of scale and connecting with our customers. Our true character was revealed in the face of the many unprecedented challenges brought upon us by Covid-19. I know that Omar Hariri will serve our alliance well as we continue to navigate through the crisis, rebuild network connectivity and contribute to support the transportation of vaccines.”

The alliance consists of 12 member airlines working together with more than 3,337 aircrafts including 63 full freighters to 159 destinations countries.