Dammam Airports Company and Serco Middle East sign agreement

With the objective of enhancing King Fahd International Airport’s operational efficiencies to meet growing demand, Dammam Airports Company (DACO) has signed two strategic agreements with Vanderlande and Serco Middle East at the 18th Airport Show, taking place in Dubai, UAE. 

Recognised as the world’s largest annual airport exhibition, the event takes place until 9 May under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group. 

As part of DACO’s agreement with Vanderlande, the global market leader for value-added logistic process automation at airports, the two entities will work on introducing a state-of-the-art Baggage Handling System (BHS) at KFIA that will help make travel procedures smoother for airport personnel, passengers and airlines. 

“Our top priority at Dammam Airports Company is to contribute to the development of state-of-the-art aviation infrastructure in the Kingdom through a series of strategic developments at King Fahd International Airport. Guided by our vision to transform airports and redefine the travel experience, our efforts in the last 10 months have focussed on expanding the airport’s operational efficiency, as it witnesses a steady growth in passenger traffic and an increased demand for commercial services. We are pleased to partner with global leaders like Vanderlande and Serco Middle East to execute our long-term plans for the airport, and transform it into a major hub for air transportation within the region and beyond,” said Mr. Turki Abdullah Al-Jawini, Chief Executive Officer of Dammam Airports Company.

“Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector is poised for tremendous growth as the Kingdom enhances its position as a prominent regional hub for transportation and logistics. Vanderlande is pleased to support the Dammam Airports Company in its efforts to create a world-class airport experience and seamless travel experience for the airport’s growing passenger traffic. Our state-of-the-world Baggage Handling System will not only boost the facility’s operational efficiency, but also positively impact all aspects of the passenger journey,” said Mr. Remo Brunschwiler, CEO, Vanderlande.

DACO has also signed an agreement with Serco Middle East, a leading provider of public services, to install cutting-edge fire and rescue services at the airport. The contract, which makes KFIA the first Saudi airport to leverage an international service provider’s expertise in firefighting systems, will help raise the airport’s safety standards in line with its existing firefighting protocols.

“As a globally recognized fire and rescue services provider, Serco is pleased to enter this agreement with Dammam Airports Company that has been mandated to oversee the operations of the King Fahd International Airport. Passenger safety and security are among the most critical aspects of airport operations, and we are delighted to utilize our industry-leading expertise in providing cutting-edge fire and rescue solutions to enhance the airport’s security procedures,” said. David Greer, Chief Executive Officer, Serco Middle East.

In keeping with DACO’s commitment to investing in national human capital, the two agreements will also enable Saudi talent to gain professional qualifications in airport management services through comprehensive training in baggage handling by Vanderlande and the operations of fire and rescue services by Serco Middle East.

With the goal of expanding King Fahd International Airport’s (KFIA) operational efficiencies and overall capacity, DACO was established in July 2017 to corporatise the management of the airport, as part of the Saudi Vision 2030’s corporatisation programme.