GACA, Matarat Holding announce completion of Saudi airports corporatization

Ceremony for the completion of Saudi airports corporatization

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) and Matarat Holding announced completing the corporatization of 25 airports in the Kingdom, and launched two companies, including Jeddah Airports. 

In a speech delivered on behalf of GACA President Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, Suleiman Al-Bassam, Advisor to GACA President for Governance and Executive Projects, said the launch of the two companies is an important step in the corporatization of local airports, which supports the authority's efforts to achieve the goals of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy.  
 

He added that the responsibility for supervising all facilities and airport services in the Kingdom has been assigned by GACA to Matarat, which will closely monitor the airports’ performance and services provided to travelers and airlines. 
 

In addition, the authority will continue its support for Matarat through strengthening cooperation with the private sector, attracting local and international investments, and providing distinguished expertise to support national cadres. 
 

Matarat confirmed that the establishment of Jeddah Airports is part of the Saudi airports corporatization program, to assume the responsibility for operating and managing King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA) in Jeddah.
 

The move also aims to develop KAIA as per the highest international standards, as well as enhance its regional and global roles. 
 

Further, the firm will develop the airport to become a diversified economic gateway, provide it with high-end and advanced services, as well as improve the passenger experience. Thus, KAIA will become an important global hub, through its connection to the international airport network in the world. 
 

The other company will manage and operate 22 Saudi airports and provide quality services to beneficiaries. In addition, it will develop these airports and enhance their economic role, through providing them with the best practices adopted by international airports.  
 

The company will also boost the airports’ competitiveness and improve the quality of their services, in addition to enhancing passenger experience and improving the airport performance.