Saudia launches new AI-led operations centre
The state-of-the-art infrastructure and technology hub at Jeddah airport will meet highest standards for safety, security and sustainability
Saudi national carrier Saudia has announced the opening of its new operations building at King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA) in Jeddah.
Built entirely by Saudi Airlines Real Estate Development Company (SARED) over a 50,000sqm area, it boasts an extensive operations control centre, which is said to be the largest facility of its kind in the Middle East, and the 12th largest globally.
According to Saudia, the centre coordinates between the group’s business lines, communicates with aircraft via its state-of-the-art facilities to ensure control of its operational plans, and tracks air traffic across all domestic and international airports in real time. It also features ‘smart’ AI-powered self-boarding kiosks and five luggage carousels, as well as 15 meeting rooms for pre-flight cabin crew briefings. In all, the two-storey building can accommodate more than 1,100 employees.
Moreover, thanks to its strategic location, near the far side of the airport, it provides both pilots and cabin crew members with easy aircraft access, Saudia noted.
In early October 2022, TRSDC confirmed daa International as the operator of Red Sea International airport and, in the same month, Alstom signed a five-year $53mn O&M contract with Jeddah Airports Company.
The building, which boasts state-of-the-art infrastructure and technology, was inaugurated by Prince Badr bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, the Deputy Governor of Makkah, and Prince Saud bin Abdullah bin Jalawi, Governor of Jeddah.
Throughout the building’s design, construction and deployment stages, SARED had prioritised the incorporation of – and compliance with – the highest safety and security standards. The eco-friendly structure also adheres to the highest international sustainability standards, as well as providing an ideal working environment designed to foster productivity and innovation amongst its employees, Saudia explained.
Engineer Ibrahim Al Omar, Director General of Saudia Group concluded, “We are eager to see the new Saudia Operations building help make our flight services, which span over one-hundred destinations in four continents, more punctual and efficient than ever before. The new infrastructure is not only equipped with innovative technologies that put us right on the leading edge of the world of aviation, but also easily meets the needs of Saudia and other stakeholders throughout the airport.”
In early November 2022, Red Sea Global appointed Reem Emirates Saudi for façade works on RSI Airport.
