Latest news with #AirConnectivityProgram
Leaders
5 days ago
- Business
- Leaders
ACP, China Eastern Airlines Explore Deeper Cooperation
Majid Khan, CEO of the Air Connectivity Program (ACP), recently attended the Airports Council International (ACI) Asia-Pacific and Middle East Air Connectivity Conference in Shanghai. During the event, he explored opportunities to strengthen collaboration between ACP and Asian carriers, with a particular focus on China. In a fireside chat titled 'Strengthening Air Connectivity Between Saudi Arabia and China,' Khan highlighted Saudi Arabia's national tourism strategy, its rich cultural offerings, and the ease of access for Chinese and Asian travelers. On the sidelines of the conference, Khan met with Liu Tiexiang, President of China Eastern Airlines, to discuss expanding cooperation and enhancing air routes between the Kingdom and China. Moreover, their discussions centered on increasing direct flights and facilitating smoother travel between the two countries. China Eastern Airlines, in partnership with ACP, has already experienced notable progress, with direct Shanghai–Riyadh flights growing from three to six weekly services over the past year. Looking ahead, ACP also aims to broaden this partnership by adding new routes to other Saudi cities and increasing flight frequencies. These efforts are part of ACP's broader mission to support inbound tourism and build strategic air links with global markets. As a key driver of Saudi Arabia's National Tourism Strategy and National Aviation Strategy, ACP plays a central role in forging strong public-private partnerships across the aviation and tourism sectors—positioning the Kingdom as a global hub for air connectivity. Related Topics : New Route Between Doha and Abha, More Flights to NEOM, ACP Says Saudi Air Connectivity Program Strengthens Ties with Tourism Sector Air Connectivity Program Joins World Routes Conference in Bahrain Saudi Air Connectivity Program Inks Agreement with Eurowings Transavia France Airlines Launches Direct Flights Between Three French Cities, Jeddah Short link : Post Views: 29
Asharq Al-Awsat
19-05-2025
- Business
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi Airports Handle 128 Million Passengers in 2024, Marking 15% Growth
Saudi Arabia's aviation sector recorded robust growth in 2024, as airports across the Kingdom welcomed more than 128 million passengers—a 15 percent increase compared to the previous year. The surge comes as part of Riyadh's broader push to establish itself as a global aviation hub in the Middle East, in line with the goals of Vision 2030. According to the 2024 Air Transport Statistics Bulletin, issued by the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), international passenger traffic reached 69 million, up 14 percent year-on-year, while domestic travel saw a 16 percent jump, reaching 59 million passengers. The expansion is being driven by the National Aviation Strategy and the Air Connectivity Program, alongside efforts to privatize and modernize airport infrastructure. The Kingdom aims to connect to 250 destinations globally by 2030 via 29 airports, with a targeted annual capacity of 330 million passengers and 4.5 million tons of air freight. The Air Connectivity Program has played a central role in these efforts, helping attract 12 new international carriers and opening more than 60 new routes through 18 newly connected cities. Infrastructure developments in 2024 included the expansion of Al-Ahsa International Airport and the opening of a new international terminal at Taif International Airport. King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah maintained its position as the busiest airport in the Kingdom, handling around 49 million passengers—an increase of 14 percent. Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport followed with 37.6 million passengers, up 18 percent, while Dammam's King Fahd International Airport recorded 12.8 million passengers, reflecting a 15 percent rise. The total passenger-handling capacity of Saudi airports reached 126 million in 2024. King Abdulaziz International led with a capacity of 50 million passengers annually, operating at 98 percent utilization—an 11 percent increase from 2023. King Khalid International ranked second with a capacity of 39 million and a 96 percent usage rate. In terms of international routes, King Abdulaziz International topped the list with 369, a 1 percent increase over the previous year. It was followed by Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Medina with 272 routes (up 5 percent), while King Khalid International saw a 6 percent decline to 165 routes. King Fahd International registered 85 international routes, down 8 percent. On average, Saudi airports handled 189,000 international passengers and 162,000 domestic passengers per day. Domestic flights rose by 12 percent to 474,000, while international flights increased by 10 percent to 431,000. King Abdulaziz International also led in total flight operations, with around 290,000 flights in 2024. King Khalid International followed with 274,000 flights, and King Fahd International reported 105,000.
Trade Arabia
29-04-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Swissport expands to 13 Saudi airports
Swissport International, leader in airport ground services and air cargo handling, is expanding its presence in Saudi Arabia by launching ground handling operations at seven additional airports, starting on June 1. This strategic expansion will bring Swissport's network in the Kingdom to a total of 13 airports, including new locations in Hail, Al Jouf, Tabuk, Yanbu, Taif, Abha, and Jizan, alongside the existing six airports in Jeddah, Riyadh, Madinah, Dammam, Al-Qassim, and Al-Ula. This expansion underscores Swissport's role as one of the main pillars of the Kingdom's dynamic aviation sector while enhancing service delivery for international airlines. With the addition of seven new stations, Swissport is poised to significantly strengthen its operational footprint in Saudi Arabia—marking a 50% increase in flight handling capacity compared to 2024. By expanding our footprint across Saudi Arabia, we continue to strengthen our position as a trusted partner for airlines in the region,' says Hamad Alhemede, CEO of Swissport Saudi Arabia. 'We are dedicated to providing reliable, high-quality ground services that ensure a consistent, top-tier experience for both airlines and passengers. We extend our sincere thanks to GACA, Matarat, and the Air Connectivity Program for their continued support and collaboration, which have been instrumental in making this expansion possible.' Initially offering passenger and ramp handling services, Swissport is also exploring the introduction of additional services such as cargo handling, aircraft cleaning, and lounge operations, with the goal of becoming a one-stop-shop for airlines in Saudi Arabia. 'At Swissport, we are proud to be a strategic enabler of Saudi Vision 2030. As the Kingdom aspires to welcome 330 million passengers, we are fully aligned with this bold ambition,' says Dirk Goovaerts, CEO of Swissport for Continental Europe, Middle East, Africa, and India. 'By expanding our presence to 13 airports across Saudi Arabia, we are reinforcing our commitment to support the Kingdom's transformation into a global aviation hub. Our growing footprint places us at the center of this remarkable growth, delivering world-class ground services that enhance the travel experience and help connect Saudi Arabia with the world.' Swissport's continued growth in Saudi Arabia is underpinned by strong partnerships with leading global airlines. Among them, Air Arabia—a key regional partner—will serve as the launch customer at several of the new stations. This collaboration enables Swissport to support the airline's operations across all its destinations in the Kingdom, ensuring consistent, high-quality service throughout the country. As part of this growth, Swissport plans to significantly expand its workforce in Saudi Arabia. All new roles will be filled locally, reinforcing the company's commitment to regional employment, and contributing to the economic development of the cities where it operates. In 2024, Swissport International provided best-in-class airport ground services for some 247 million airline passengers (2023: 232 million), welcomed 5.9 million lounge guests (2023: 5.7 million), and handled roughly 5 million tons of air freight (2023: 4.7 million) at 117 air cargo centers worldwide. Several of its warehouses have been certified for pharmaceutical logistics by IATA's CEIV Pharma and by the British MHRA. At the end of December 2024, the world's leader in airport ground services and air cargo handling, with currently around 62,000 employees, was active at 279 airports in 45 countries on six continents.
Zawya
29-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Swissport expands to 13 Saudi airports
Swissport is expanding its presence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, launching ground handling operations at seven additional airports as of 1 June 2025. This strategic growth brings Swissport's network in the Kingdom to 13 airports, reinforcing its commitment to delivering high-quality services across the region. Swissport International AG, the global leader in airport ground services and air cargo handling, is expanding its presence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by launching ground handling operations at seven additional airports, starting on 1 June 2025. This strategic expansion will bring Swissport's network in the Kingdom to a total of 13 airports, including new locations in Hail, Al Jouf, Tabuk, Yanbu, Taif, Abha, and Jizan, alongside the existing six airports in Jeddah, Riyadh, Madinah, Dammam, Al-Qassim, and Al-Ula. This expansion underscores Swissport's role as one of the main pillars of the Kingdom's dynamic aviation sector while enhancing service delivery for international airlines. With the addition of seven new stations, Swissport is poised to significantly strengthen its operational footprint in Saudi Arabia—marking a 50% increase in flight handling capacity compared to 2024. By expanding our footprint across Saudi Arabia, we continue to strengthen our position as a trusted partner for airlines in the region,' says Hamad Alhemede, CEO of Swissport Saudi Arabia. 'We are dedicated to providing reliable, high-quality ground services that ensure a consistent, top-tier experience for both airlines and passengers. We extend our sincere thanks to GACA, Matarat, and the Air Connectivity Program for their continued support and collaboration, which have been instrumental in making this expansion possible.' Initially offering passenger and ramp handling services, Swissport is also exploring the introduction of additional services such as cargo handling, aircraft cleaning, and lounge operations, with the goal of becoming a one-stop-shop for airlines in Saudi Arabia. 'At Swissport, we are proud to be a strategic enabler of Saudi Vision 2030. As the Kingdom aspires to welcome 330 million passengers, we are fully aligned with this bold ambition,' says Dirk Goovaerts, CEO of Swissport for Continental Europe, Middle East, Africa, and India. 'By expanding our presence to 13 airports across Saudi Arabia, we are reinforcing our commitment to support the Kingdom's transformation into a global aviation hub. Our growing footprint places us at the center of this remarkable growth, delivering world-class ground services that enhance the travel experience and help connect Saudi Arabia with the world.' Swissport's continued growth in Saudi Arabia is underpinned by strong partnerships with leading global airlines. Among them, Air Arabia—a key regional partner—will serve as the launch customer at several of the new stations. This collaboration enables Swissport to support the airline's operations across all its destinations in the Kingdom, ensuring consistent, high-quality service throughout the country. As part of this growth, Swissport plans to significantly expand its workforce in Saudi Arabia. All new roles will be filled locally, reinforcing the company's commitment to regional employment, and contributing to the economic development of the cities where it operates. In 2024, Swissport International AG provided best-in-class airport ground services for some 247 million airline passengers (2023: 232 million), welcomed 5.9 million lounge guests (2023: 5.7 million), and handled roughly 5 million tons of air freight (2023: 4.7 million) at 117 air cargo centers worldwide. Several of its warehouses have been certified for pharmaceutical logistics by IATA's CEIV Pharma and by the British MHRA. At the end of December 2024, the world's leader in airport ground services and air cargo handling, with currently around 62,000 employees, was active at 279 airports in 45 countries on six continents. Media contacts Swissport International AG, Group Communications, Silvia Garrido, Switzerland media@
Arab News
27-04-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Passengers in Saudi airports rose 46% in 2024
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's airports handled 128 million passengers in 2024, marking a 45.8 percent increase since the launch of Vision 2030 in 2016, according to the Kingdom's latest annual report. In 2024, airports across the country operated 905,000 flights and managed 1.2 million tonnes of cargo, underscoring Saudi Arabia's growing stature as a logistics and aviation hub. Strengthening the aviation and logistics sector is a key goal outlined in Vision 2030, as the Kingdom aims to establish itself as a global center for business and tourism by the end of this decade. 'Saudi Arabia is transforming its transport ecosystem, positioning itself as a global logistics and aviation hub by 2030,' the report stated. As part of these efforts, the Kingdom launched over 60 new routes last year under its Air Connectivity Program, with 12 new international carriers beginning operations in Saudi cities. Since its launch in 2021, the program has expanded air links with global destinations, enhancing Saudi Arabia's prominence in global aviation. Innovation also took flight in 2024, with Saudi Arabia debuting the region's first autonomous air taxi pilot project during the Hajj season. Designed to transport pilgrims across holy sites and expedite emergency responses, the air taxi pilot marks a significant step forward for the Kingdom's smart mobility initiatives. Last year, Saudi authorities also granted the first operational license for drones to clean building facades. Transportation and logistics Saudi Arabia's transportation and logistics infrastructure continued its rapid growth throughout 2024. The Kingdom ranked first regionally and 20th globally in handling commercial tonnage, while its Logistics Performance Index ranking improved to 38th globally, up from 52nd in 2016. 'Saudi Arabia has embraced its strategic location as a global gateway between East and West, transforming logistics and transportation into cornerstones of economic development,' said the report. The year saw the launch of the $346.6 million Maersk Logistics Hub at Jeddah Islamic Port, and the addition of 34 maritime services across Jeddah Islamic Port, King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam, and Jubail Commercial Port. Further cementing its leadership, the Saudi Ports Authority, also known as Mawani, won the International Finance Award for infrastructure development, highlighting the sector's global recognition. Saudi Arabia also secured membership in the Council of the International Transport Forum in 2024. Commenting on the achievement at that time, Saleh Al-Jasser, minister of Transport and Logistics, noted that it reaffirms the Kingdom's pivotal role in advancing global transport and logistics services. Additionally, the master plan for an integrated logistics zone at King Salman International Airport received approval, reinforcing the Kingdom's ambitions to become a world-class logistics hub. 'Under Vision 2030, the logistics sector has undergone sweeping reforms and infrastructure advancements, aiming to make the Kingdom a world-class logistics hub that enables trade, strengthens regional integration, and supports national economic diversification,' added the report. Expanding rail transport Saudi Arabia's rail sector also recorded significant progress. In 2024, 13 million passengers traveled via the national rail network, a 22 percent increase compared to the previous year, while freight movement reached 28 million tonnes. 'These developments are reinforcing the Kingdom's position as a regional leader in integrated, sustainable transport, supporting both economic growth and improved quality of life,' said the report. The Riyadh Metro, one of the world's largest urban transit projects, was officially launched last year. Spanning six lines and 176 km, the metro boasts a daily capacity of 3.6 million passengers. In its first week of operation, the network transported 1.9 million passengers. The Riyadh Metro is a major component of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 strategy, aimed at reducing traffic congestion in the capital and enhancing residents' quality of life.
