Dublin Airport and Cork Airport operator DAA has announced that DAA International has signed a contract to operate the new airport at The Red Sea Project in Saudi Arabia.
The Red Sea Project is being built over 28,000 square kilometres on Saudi Arabia's west coast to create a new luxury tourism destination. The first phase of the project, which includes a new international airport, is due to be completed by the end of next year.
The Red Sea Project's developer, The Red Sea Development Company (TRSDC), has named DAA International as the operator of the development's new airport, which will be the main gateway for the development.
DAA International, which is a subsidiary of DAA, has a successful track record in Saudi Arabia, having operated Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport's Terminal 5 since it opened in 2016.
DAA International will provide airfield and terminal operations, aviation services, and facilities management at the new Red Sea Project airport, and will also oversee the airport's commercial activities, and corporate and financial services.
"An Important Step"
In a statement published on DAA's website, TRSDC chief executive John Pagano said, "Our state-of-the-art airport will provide a unique gateway for guests arriving at our destination, and this announcement is an important step in bringing the experience to life ahead of welcoming visitors by the end of 2022. DAA International was selected because we are confident that they can deliver not only an airport experience worthy of our luxury destination, but for their commitment to ensuring our sustainability goals are met."
"Thrilled"
Meanwhile, DAA International chief executive Nick Cole commented, "The Red Sea Project is an amazing development, and we are thrilled to be playing a major part in it by becoming the operator of the new airport.
"The Red Sea International Airport will become a fundamental part of each visitor's journey to this unique destination, and we believe their holiday experience should start from the moment they land. We intend to deliver a seamless airport experience for passengers, underpinned by a commitment to achieving the development company's stringent sustainability goals."
Three Stages
DAA International will manage the operations of the airport during three separate stages. Stage one will involve ensuring that all airport designs benefit the customer. Stage two covers planning a full and seamless operational model for the airport when it opens to the public, and the final stage will be to manage and operate this plan while maintaining the highest standards in customer experience and sustainability, and prioritising safety and security.
Additional Red Sea Project Details
When it's completed in 2030, The Red Sea Project will include 50 hotels, offering up to 8,000 hotel rooms, and approximately 1,300 residential properties across 22 islands and six inland sites. The development will also include a luxury marina, and entertainment and leisure facilities. The first phase of the development, which is scheduled for completion in 2022, will include the new airport, up to 3,000 hotel rooms, recreational facilities and residential properties.
© 2021 Hospitality Ireland – your source for the latest industry news. Article by Dave Simpson. Click subscribe to sign up for the Hospitality Ireland print edition.
