King Khalid International Airport wins top awards at aviation forum

Staff Reporter, Gulf Today

Riyadh Airports Company (RAC), which manages and operates King Khalid International Airport (KKIA) in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, has received three awards at the inaugural Future Aviation Forum as part of the organization’s Airport Total Quality Evaluation for 2021. The airport received the ‘Best Airport’ award in the International Airports category (+15 million passengers), the ‘Best Security Inspection Area’ and the ‘Best Customs Inspection Area’.

King Khalid International Airport was granted the awards during RAC’s participation in the first edition of the Future Aviation Forum, which was held under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman Bin Abdulaziz and hosted by GACA, the General Authority of Civil Aviation, on 9 - 11 May 2022.

 On the sidelines of the Forum, Riyadh Airports Company signed four agreements with major international corporations and national institutions to improve the quality and efficiency of its services through utilizing innovative solutions to promote sustainability and growth.

The company signed a memorandum of understanding with DAA to explore investment opportunities in the Middle East and North Africa. It also signed a strategic partnership with Accenture in Saudi Arabia to provide innovative cybersecurity services to enhance the protection of its digital assets, operational systems, and infrastructure at KKIA.

Riyadh Airports Company signed a further agreement with the international firm SITA to develop and improve passenger onboarding systems and upgrade KKIA’s infrastructure with the latest advanced technologies. Finally, the company signed a memorandum of understanding with the Saudi Academy of Civil Aviation to provide training programs for employees to maximize compliance with international and local standards and improve services provided by the operational sector.

Eng. Muhammad bin Abdullah Al-Maghlouth, CEO of RAC, also took part in a panel discussion titled ‘Airports Reimagined’, during which participants discussed the new global trends for the development of the aviation sector. The discussions took place as airports and relevant authorities worldwide are working to restore the air transport network and boost traveler confidence in the post-COVID pandemic phase.

“We are honoured to have been a part of the Future Aviation Forum and are delighted to have received three awards recognizing the standards of excellence that we work to maintain at KKIA. This is a new milestone for us at KKIA, and I would like to congratulate all KKIA employees on their efforts in helping us take home these awards,” said Eng. Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Maghlouth.

“By participating in this international event, we aim to contribute to the forum’s main pillars of innovation, growth, and sustainability while strengthening the Kingdom’s position as a regional and global international air transport hub,” Al-Maghlouth added.

“I’d like to extend my appreciation and gratitude to GACA for hosting this forum at an ideal time, as the world is moving beyond pandemic.” Al-Maghlouth also stated.

The Future of Aviation Forum was launched in the presence of civil aviation sector representatives from around the world, as well as CEOs of several international air transport carriers and investors, as well as more than 120 speakers in 40 sessions spread over three days to explore the future of aviation.

Riyadh Airports Company (RAC) was established in 2016 as part of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s privatization of the aviation sector. Currently managing operations at King Khalid International Airport in the Saudi Arabian capital, Riyadh Airports Company’s vision is to become a regional pioneer in airport management. The team at RAC is currently working on cementing its position as a leader in the civil aviation sector, as it manages a world-class center for passengers, cargo customers and partners.

 King Khalid International Airport: King Khalid International Airport was opened in 1983 in the Saudi Arabian capital of Riyadh. Spanning an area of 375 km2, located 35 km from the city center, the airport contains five passenger terminals, 40 passenger boarding bridges, and a car park with the capacity for 11,600 vehicles. The airport consists of the Royal Terminal, the central control tower, two parallel runways, each of which is 4,260 meters (13,980 ft) long.

 Over 51 international and domestic airlines operate through King Khalid International Airport, travelling to more than 105 destinations. With more than 217,000 flights taking off annually from King Khalid International Airport, the facility serves more than 28.5 million passengers annually. King Khalid International Airport received three awards at the inaugural Future Aviation Forum, including the Best Airport in the International Airports category (+15 million passengers) and the Best Security Inspection Area and the Best Customs Inspection Area