The Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu (RCJY), owner of Jubail Airport in Saudi Arabia, has awarded Aertec Solutions the contract for the planning and concept design development of the new infrastructure which will equip it for commercial aircraft operations from 2020. This airport, located has been operated by the Ministry of Defence to date, and has basically been used for military purposes, along with handling some private operations.

At the end of last year, the Spanish international engineering and consultancy firm specialised in aeronautics was commissioned to advance the design of the civil works, including new taxiways, aircraft parking aprons, VIP and cargo terminals, a control tower, a fire extinction service building and access links to the airport, along with other items. These concept designs will be developed in conjunction with two local firms, Saudconsult and Al-Naim Consultant Engineers Office (ACE).

Aertec Solutions will assume the role of project manager in 12 months time in its capacity as the main vendor advisory firm. In conjunction with the international firm KPMG, it will provide advice to the RCJY on the most suitable management and development formulas, including private sector participation.

Aertec has already carried out work for Jubail Airport in the past, including developing its masterplan and business plan. Its mission now consists of moving forward with the definition of the new infrastructure so that an international tender can be launched to find potential investors and operators who can perform the works and the airports subsequent operation during a suitable concession period.

Carlos Berenguer, Aviation general director at Aertec Solutions said: “it allows us to carry on consolidating our position in one of the main focal points for air traffic growth in the coming years, the Middle East. The Jubail Airport project is supported by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) and the Navy, which is essential for its success. This project is added to our experience in airport planning in regions like Latin America and Europe, and will be one of our best credentials.”