Four eminent national and international firms in the domains of design, engineering, construction, and air traffic management have signed with King Salman International Airport Development Company (KSIADC). Through this agreement, King Salman International Airport (KSIA) will enter a new phase of development.
“It is our goal to construct an airport that will be the industry standard in the aviation industry. It will give Riyadh the local and global connectivity it needs to meet and propel the growth targets for trade, business, and tourism outlined in Vision 2030,” declared Marco Mejia, KSIA’s acting CEO.
With an estimated 57 km2, KSIA is anticipated to be among the largest airports in the world. It is an integral component of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s ‘Vision 2030,’ which aims to diversify Saudi Arabia’s economy away from oil production and position the country as a hub for international travel. In that year, 100 million passengers will pass through the airport.
To achieve LEED Platinum Certification, provide guests with an exceptional travel experience, and deliver more sustainable and efficient operations, the project will prioritize low-carbon architecture, the utilization of renewable energy, and technological innovation.
Who Are The Stakeholders?
Founded in 1967, Foster + Partners is a global studio specializing in sustainable architecture, urban planning, engineering, and design. They are in charge of creating the master plan for the 57-square-kilometre airport. This entails building a multi-asset real estate area, six runways, and many terminals.
“The masterplan brings together an innovative design idea that prioritizes the passenger experience while building a new gateway for Riyadh,” Foster + Partners Senior Partner Seif A. Bahaa Eldin said.
The airport’s design will offer tourists and visitors a distinctive travel experience by capturing the spirit of Riyadh and reflecting Saudi culture.
International engineering company Jacobs offers a wide range of expert services, including project delivery, technical, scientific, and consulting. For KSIA, Jacobs will deliver a complete masterplan design, validation of the concept masterplan, and runway designs.
According to Keith Lawson, senior vice president of Jacobs, “This project supports The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s desire to accomplish the strategic objectives under Vision 2030, exposing the Kingdom to the world and diversifying the economy into new areas such as tourism.”
“We are eager about the growth and positive change this project will bring for decades to come and look forward to delivering it with our local expertise, partners, and our global aviation team,” the senior official stated.
Global consultants and construction specialists Mace will oversee the entire suite of partner services for the six-runway airport’s delivery. This will include procurement, logistics, construction management, PMO and planning, project and program management, cost and commercial management, sustainability, environmental and carbon-advisory services, procurement, logistics, and health and safety strategy.
Mace Consult’s CEO, Davendra Dabasia, said, “King Salman International Airport is a game-changing infrastructure program. The program’s physical construction aims to be as ambitious as possible, and it is unparalleled in its dedication to innovation, sustainability, and economic growth.”
Nera is a Saudi Arabian business that provides services and technological solutions. It decided to help shape the direction of aviation in the Middle East and beyond. They will supervise the creation of airspace to optimize air traffic flow and advance operations through the application of cutting-edge technology.
Remote digital towers are one of the cutting-edge technologies that Nera will be offering. They provide a novel solution made up of several high-performance cameras. Through the use of cutting-edge technologies like computer algorithms, night vision, zoom cameras, and augmented reality, they offer the safest and most effective air traffic control service.
Their unique implementation aims to streamline tower control operations, enhance situational awareness, boost safety, and facilitate the provision of services in situations or at hours that would be unfeasible for a traditional facility.