Saudia chief Omar Hariri appointed new chair of SkyTeam Cargo Alliance

SkyTeam Cargo Alliance has appointed Saudia Cargo chief executive Omar Hariri as chair of its executive board, replacing Shawn Cole, VP cargo of Delta Airlines, who held the position for three years.

The board is made up of top executives from the group’s 12 member cargo airlines.

“It will be an honour chairing the board of SkyTeam Cargo, the largest alliance in the cargo industry, accounting for nearly 20% of the global air cargo movement,” said Mr Hariri.

“We will continue focusing on promoting and strengthening the alliance between members and, at the same time, focusing on enhancing our technology-driven operational and network capability. With the growing demand for pharma and e-commerce, our aim is to continue exploring new markets.”

Mr Hariri joined Saudia Cargo as chief executive in February 2018, bringing extensive experience in air freight and logistics management from roles at DHL Express and FedEx Express.

Mr Cole said: “During my time … 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 transport of vaccines.”