JEDDAH: HOCHTIEF is to upgrade and expand the King Khaled International Airport in Riyadh.

The company has signed an agreement with the Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA).

Acting as the technical and commercial lead of the ‘Riyadh Airport Expansion’ joint venture, HOCHTIEF — together with the companies Shapoorij Pallonji Mideast and Nahdat Al-Emaar — will redesign, upgrade and expand two existing terminals, and demolish and refurbish other parts of the airport infrastructure.

The contract is worth about 1.3 billion euros, according to a press release. Construction has started already and completion is currently planned for May 2019, said the release.

This project is the first part of the extensive program by GACA to develop and expand the airport’s facilities worth 4 billion euros, according to the release.

Apart from refurbishing and expanding the existing Terminals 3 and 4, the now awarded contract also involves the demolition and reconstruction of the aprons inclusive of apron lighting and fueling facilities.

The contract further covers the construction of new terminal lounges and operation buildings, as well as the installation of baggage handling and security systems.

HOCHTIEF will also be responsible for installing IT, fire protection and communication systems.

Marcelino Fernandez Verdes, CEO of HOCHTIEF, said: ‘We are delighted to have won this major contract. It reinforces our position as an important infrastructure construction group and shows that our international expertise and the know-how of our engineers in the area of complex, large-scale projects are greatly appreciated by our clients.”