- SAL is the first Saudi company and second in MENA to receive IATA SeMS Level 1 certification.
- The certification covers security management across SAL’s cargo handling and ground operations.
- The milestone supports Saudi Arabia’s ambitions to strengthen its position as a global transport and logistics hub.
The certification recognises the effectiveness of SAL’s security management framework across its cargo handling and ground operations, and marks a further step towards strengthening security governance within Saudi Arabia’s aviation and logistics sector.
IATA’s SeMS approach is designed to support organisations in developing a proactive security culture based on risk management, continuous improvement and the systematic identification of security risks.
For security professionals across the Middle East, SAL’s certification highlights the growing importance of formal security management systems within critical transport and logistics infrastructure. As Saudi Arabia expands its role as a regional and global logistics hub, robust security governance is becoming increasingly important to maintaining resilient cargo operations and stakeholder confidence.
SAL received the certification at a ceremony at IATA headquarters in Geneva, following a two-day programme that included certification review sessions and discussions with IATA executives and security specialists.
The programme covered the continuous improvement of security management systems, ground-handling best practices and developments affecting air cargo markets across the Middle East, Europe and the wider EMEA region.
Omar Talal Hariri, CEO of SAL, said the certification demonstrated the progress of the company’s security practices and its commitment to international standards.
He said: “Security is the foundation of trusted cargo operations. Achieving the IATA Security Management System certification as the first company in Saudi Arabia reflects the advancement of SAL’s security practices. It is a testament to the dedication of our teams. It reinforces our commitment to delivering world-class standards that safeguard our customers while enhancing operational excellence across Saudi Arabia’s aviation and logistics sectors.”
The achievement also supports Saudi Arabia’s wider ambitions under Vision 2030 and the National Transport and Logistics Strategy. By adopting internationally recognised security management practices, SAL aims to strengthen confidence among regulators, airlines, freight forwarders and logistics partners while setting a higher benchmark for security management in the region.
