PIF signs up engineering, design firms for Riyadh airport project
RIYADH, August 20, 2024
King Salman International Airport Development Company (KSIADC), one of the companies of Saudi sovereign wealth fund PIF has announced that it has signed up leading players in the fields of architecture, engineering, construction and air traffic management, to start a new phase in the development of King Salman International Airport.
These strategic deals inked with Foster + Partners; Jacobs; Mace and Nera are aimed at turning the King Salman International Airport into a major hub for tourism, travel and transportation in Saudi Arabia, and the wider region.
The award-winning architecture firm Foster + Partners will design the airport’s master plan, which covers a total area of 57 sq km and boasts a range of terminals in addition to six runways and a multi-asset real estate area.
The top firm said the design of the King Salman International Airport will capture Riyadh’s essence and reflect Saudi culture to provide a unique experience for travellers.
International engineering firm Jacobs will provide specialist consultancy services for the airport’s detailed master plan and the design of the new runways, while top consulting and construction company Mace will apply global best practices, innovations and advanced methodologies at all stages of planning and construction.
On the contract win, Davendra Dabasia, the CEO of Mace Consult, said: "King Salman International Airport is a game-changing infrastructure programme. The scale of ambition for the programme’s physical build, as well as its commitment to sustainability, innovation and economic development, is unmatched."
"Our consultancy experience developing some of the world’s most famous infrastructure projects, construction expertise and rich heritage in the aviation sector means we are perfectly placed to deploy our full service offering and help KSIADC successfully deliver one of the largest airports in the world," he stated.
Christopher Seymour, Managing Director of Middle East and Africa, said: "Under Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia is fast emerging as a global epicentre for iconic megaprojects and programmes."
"Securing this delivery partner role with KSIADC builds on our ongoing growth in the Middle East, providing us with a fantastic opportunity to help deliver an iconic programme that will bring major benefits to businesses, communities, tourists, and residents in the Kingdom," he added.
Nera, a Saudi company specialising in technical and operational solutions for aviation, will oversee the design of airspace to enhance air traffic efficiency and improve operations using the latest technologies, it stated.
KSIADC, a leading entity aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, pointed out that partnering with these world-class companies was a crucial step in transforming King Salman International Airport into an exceptional destination offering travellers a seamless and enjoyable experience.
"We are committed to delivering an airport which will be seen as the benchmark in the world of aviation. It will provide the national and international connectivity the city of Riyadh needs to meet and drive the business, trade and tourism growth set out in Vision 2030," remarked KSIADC Acting Chief Executive Marco Mejia.
"These four firms will work alongside the Saudi and international talent we have brought together; they will be an essential addition to our team as we build King Salman International Airport, creating a new passenger experience," he added.-TradeArabia News Service
