RIYADH: Global companies like Foster & Partners, Jacobs Engineering, Mace, and Nera have been called in to support the development of the King Salman International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The plan, led by the King Salman International Airport Development Co., a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), plans to develop the airport into a major regional hub for tourism, travel and transportation.
The American company, Jacobs Engineering will offer consulting in the preparation of the master plan for the airport and the construction of the new runways. Mace, a UK-based construction company, will bring new ideas and effective practices into the planning and construction phases of the project. Saudi firm Nera will be responsible for airspace architecture to enhance air traffic flow with the help of advanced technologies.
Covering around 57 sq. km, the airport will consist of six more runways, and existing terminals named after King Khalid and have an area of 12 sq. km of support facilities such as residential and recreational areas, shopping space, and logistics real estate. According to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s 2022 masterplan, the airport should become one of the largest in the world with passenger traffic of 120 million by 2030 and 185 million by 2050, with cargo capacity of 3.5 million tons.
The airport is planned to align with Saudi Vision 2030’s objectives and goals of efficient operation, modern facilities, sustainability, aiming to achieve LEED Platinum certification. It will be powered by Renewable energy, supporting PIF’s plan in relation to the diversification of the economy. The airport is expected to add SR 27 billion ($ 7.20 billion) annually to non-oil Saudi Arabian GDP and generate an overall of 103000 direct and indirect jobs, aligning with Vision 2030 goals.
