JEDDAH, 20 November 2007 — The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) launched the first phase of the new King Abdul Aziz International Airport (KAIA) Development Project in a conference on Sunday night.
The meeting, which was largely attended by representatives of construction firms, marked the kick-off of the construction phase of KAIA development. “The goal is to create a project that meets local needs and matches international standards,” GACA President Abdullah M.N. Ruhaimi told the meeting held at Laylaty Hall.
“The new project will transform the Saudi traveler’s experience and will benefit all parties including KAIA working team, public sector, our stakeholders or the community comprising local and international visitors. We are looking at creating a state-of-the-art airport that exceeds the expectations in terms of design, services and of course management,” Ruhaimi said. The event was marked by an opening ceremony that was followed by a welcome speech from the president, a paper from GACA Project Director Adnan Zuheiry and a presentation by a representative of Dar Al-Handasah, the construction manager.
The project is developed from the Airport Master Plan, which will be implemented over the next 28 years, representing investment of several billions of riyals and opportunities for the private sector across all areas of consultancy, construction, operation and management.
The first phase of the plan will stretch over five years and is led by GACA leadership in cooperation with Dar Al-Handasah as construction manager. The Master Plan was initiated by NACO in 2005 and developed over an intensive two-year period. The three phases are expected to be completed by 2035-end.
Earlier this year, Crown Prince Sultan signed a SR903 million contract for the development of Jeddah airport over a 36-month period, in the first stage of plans to expand the international airport to handle 80 million passengers a year.
The project is designed to increase the airport’s capacity initially from 13 million passengers by 30 million passengers each year. It is also designed to provide the facilities required for the service of pilgrims.
“The plan is to transform the KAIA into a major international and regional hub for both passengers and cargo based on a “well-studied innovative” master plan.
The master plan will stretch till 2035 and is divided over three phases. The first phase will be completed by 2012 and covers a new terminal complex of 400,000 sq m, replacing existing North and south terminals, 42 contact gats with air bridges and comfortable, easy access.
The first phase will be a state-of-the-art development with high-class quality incorporating proven systems, equipment and technology to cater to the growing needs with enhanced customer service. The phase will also include fully integrated security and safety systems, a transportation center connected by planned railway services to Makkah, Madinah and downtown Jeddah. A new control tower with a communication and navigation system, new elevated access roads and new taxiways with apron areas and airside developments are also included in the phase. There will also be major new utility networks of power and water, major IT and telecommunications developments.