King Salman International Airport Development Company signs strategic partnerships with SILZ, FedEx and TIACA

On the sidelines of the World Logistics Forum 2024, King Salman International Airport Development Company announced the signing of strategic partnerships with SILZ and FedEx, in addition to joining the membership of the International Air Cargo Association (TIAC), with the aim of transforming Riyadh into a regional and global logistics center, and raising the level of logistics services in the Kingdom to become among the top 10 countries in the world in the field of logistics and air freight.

Marco Mihia, Acting CEO of King Salman International Airport Development Company, explained that these partnerships represent a very important step in the journey of King Salman International Airport Development Company towards strengthening the Kingdom’s position as a global logistics center, and these partnerships confirm the company’s commitment to supporting the economic development process in the Kingdom and providing a world-class airport and a leading system for freight and logistics solutions.”

The cooperation between King Salman International Airport Development Company and the “Integrated Logistics Special Zone” – the first special economic zone in Saudi Arabia – aims to enhance coordination in operational processes and develop infrastructure to upgrade air cargo capabilities in Riyadh.

King Salman International Airport is distinguished by its strategic location linking three continents, which enhances the efficiency of the economic zone located at the airport, as this zone will provide unique access to global air routes and the largest consumer market in the Middle East. This partnership aims to accelerate the movement of goods and improve the efficiency of logistics operations for companies in Riyadh.

For his part, Dr. Fadi Al-Buhairan, CEO of the “Integrated Logistics Special Zone” said: “Our partnership with King Salman International Airport is a pivotal step that contributes to strengthening Riyadh’s position as a regional and global center in the field of logistics services and air cargo, and we will work together to provide an attractive environment for international investors and drive economic growth.”

As part of the partnership with FedEx, the two parties will work to improve logistics solutions and supply chains at King Salman International Airport. This partnership aims to transfer knowledge, adopt best practices and advanced logistics solutions, as well as explore new opportunities in the logistics, distribution and shipping sectors in Saudi Arabia.

In turn, Abdulrahman Al-Mubarak, Managing Director of FedEx Operations in the Middle East, said: “Through this cooperation, we seek to enhance the efficiency of the logistics sector in the Kingdom and improve our services in the region. By employing our expertise and the strategic location of King Salman International Airport, we will work to improve supply chain operations and implement the best innovative solutions, in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 to make the Kingdom a global logistics hub with high efficiency, quality and speed.”

To consolidate its presence in the global air cargo sector, King Salman International Airport Development Company has joined the International Air Cargo Association (TIACA). This membership will allow the company to expand its reach to global markets and enhance the efficiency of its operational processes, contributing to achieving the Kingdom’s ambition to become a leading regional hub for logistics and shipping services, in addition to supporting innovation and strengthening partnerships in the sector. Commenting on the company’s accession, Glenn Hughes, Director General of the International Air Cargo Association, stressed that the accession of King Salman International Airport Development Company to the International Air Cargo Association will enhance the shared vision of a safe and economically prosperous air cargo sector, to work on addressing current challenges and moving forward to a sustainable future for the sector. It is worth noting that King Salman International Airport intends to be a major driver of a qualitative shift in the global logistics sector through the integration of its infrastructure, innovative cargo operations and increased operational efficiency. It also aims to establish new international standards for reliable logistics services, to become one of the most efficient cargo centers in the world. The airport will provide direct commercial links with local, regional and international markets, with the capacity to manage two million tons of cargo annually by 2030.