Bechtel has just signed an agreement with the King Salman International Airport Development Company that will see the company serve as the delivery partner for three new terminals at King Salman International Airport (KSIA) in Riyadh. This agreement was signed during President Trump’s visit to Saudi Arabia. The agreement indicates the growing U.S.-Saudi infrastructure ties. Additionally, it builds on Bechtel’s experience delivering more than 300 projects in Saudi Arabia. These projects include the recently opened Riyadh Metro.
The upcoming airport project is expected to become the world’s largest when it opens in the coming decade. It is a pillar of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 that will be an economic engine for not only but also the surrounding region.
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King Salman International Airport Project Factsheet
Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It is being built around the existing King Khalid International Airport.
Owner/Operator: King Salman International Airport Development Company (KSIADC), owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF).
Size: The airport will cover an area of approximately 57 square kilometers (22 square miles).
Capacity:
- Passengers: Expected to accommodate 100 million passengers annually by 2030 and 185 million passengers annually by 2050.
- Cargo: Expected to handle 3.5 million tons of cargo annually by 2050.
Runways: The airport will have six parallel runways.
Terminals: The development includes:
- New terminals for commercial carriers.
- Terminal 6 specifically for low-cost carriers.
- A new private aviation terminal with hangars.
- The existing terminals of King Khalid International Airport will be absorbed or replaced.
- An iconic terminal is also planned.
Design and development partners:
- Master Plan Designer: Foster + Partners (British architectural firm).
- Engineering Consultant: Jacobs.
- Delivery Partner for three new terminals: Bechtel.
- Delivery Partner Contracts: Parsons Corporation.
- Sustainability: The project aims for LEED Platinum certification through the incorporation of green initiatives and renewable energy sources.
Also read: World’s Largest King Salman International Airport Latest Project Update
Additional features: The airport will also include approximately 12 square kilometers of supporting facilities, residential and recreational areas, retail outlets, and logistics facilities.
Significance of the Airport Project
“The King Salman International Airport is a landmark project that is expected to reshape Riyadh and improve on the lives and communities it serves,” stated Darren Mort, President of Bechtel’s Infrastructure Business. “Bechtel’s award-winning aviation team has delivered some of the world’s largest and most complex airports, incorporating innovative and sustainable solutions. Furthermore, we look forward to partnering with the King Salman International Airport Development Company to bring their vision of a world-class passenger experience to reality.”
Upon completion, the KSIA is expected to operate a total of six parallel runways. Additionally, it will handle an approximate capacity of 185 million passengers and 3.5 million tons of cargo every year by 2050. The newly-built terminals will support economic growth in Riyadh and the surrounding region. They will also enhance global connectivity and delivering a world-class passenger experience.
The Three Terminals
Bechtel will partner with the King Salman International Airport Development Company to manage delivery of a terminal for commercial carriers. Also, it will deliver Terminal 6 for low-cost carriers and another new private aviation terminal with hangars. The project is expected to prioritize achieving LEED Platinum certification.
This certification will be achieved by integrating innovative sustainable practices into the design and construction of all three terminals. The terminals will absorb or replace all existing facilities of the King Khalid International Airport.
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