Saudia to become inaugural airline partner of Red Sea International Airport

Red Sea International Airport

 

Saudia to become inaugural airline partner of Red Sea International Airport  

Red Sea Global (RSG), the visionary developer behind the ambitious regenerative tourism destinations of The Red Sea and Amaala, has recently inked a memorandum of understanding with Saudi Arabian Airlines (SAUDIA) and daa International, the operator of Red Sea International (RSI) Airport. This landmark agreement paves the way for SAUDIA to become the inaugural airline to operate at the Red Sea International Airport (RSI).

RSI is on schedule to open its doors this year, coinciding with the inauguration of the first three resorts within The Red Sea destination. Initially, the airport will cater to domestic flights between Riyadh and subsequently Jeddah before expanding its services to handle international flights starting in 2024.

 

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John Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Global, emphasized the significance of this collaboration in realizing Saudi Arabia's visionary goals, stating, "When the first commercial flight lands at Red Sea International, it won't just be a point of personal pride for Red Sea Global. It will be a milestone moment for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in making that vision a reality. It is fitting, therefore, that the Kingdom's flag carrier, SAUDIA, will be first to operate from our destination."

This strategic agreement establishes SAUDIA's commitment to commencing regular scheduled services to and from RSI. Furthermore, it lays the groundwork for collaborative research on the use of Lower Carbon Aviation Fuel (LCAF) and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) at Red Sea International Airport. Additionally, the potential utilization of electric vertical take-off and landing jets (eVTOL) to reduce emissions for travel to The Red Sea will be explored.

 

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Ibrahim Koshy, CEO of SAUDIA, remarked, "Today's agreement marks a new chapter in Saudi Arabia's aviation history. As wings of Vision 2030, SAUDIA's contribution is to be an enabler in attaining giga project targets, and our involvement as the first airline to operate from and to Red Sea International Airport is a source of pride for us all. This agreement will strengthen our position in the Kingdom and allow us to collaborate with RSG and daa International to boost tourism and enhance the country's standing within international aviation."

The partnership also extends daa International's existing relationship with RSG as the operator of its International Airport. daa International will continue to oversee airport management and collaborate with SAUDIA on various aspects, including the allocation of airport gates and counters.

Nicholas Cole, CEO of daa International, noted, "Red Sea International is a new gateway for travelers to experience the wonders of Saudi Arabia. Bringing our unmatched airport management expertise, we will work with RSG and SAUDIA to ensure RSI delivers a truly unique experience for all who pass through it."

The ambitious development at The Red Sea includes the opening of three resorts this year, followed by an additional 13 hotels as part of phase one. Upon full completion in 2030, the destination will comprise 50 resorts, offering up to 8,000 hotel rooms and more than 1,000 residential properties across 22 islands and six inland sites. The destination will also feature luxury marinas, golf courses, entertainment, dining, and leisure facilities, cementing its status as a premier tourist destination.

Source: https://www.constructionweekonline.com/