As construction works continue in full swing at Saudi Arabia’s 28,000km2 The Red Sea Project, its developer — led by CEO John Pagano — has awarded another contract for the operations of the carbon-neutral Red Sea International (RSI) airport.
Ireland’s daa International signed an agreement worth $266 million (SAR1 billion) covering operations and general maintenance services. The company will help the airport on its journey towards environmental sustainability powered by 100% renewable energy.
daa International will serve as the airport operator for RSI in 2023, overseeing design consultancy, management, and operations in accordance with the provisions of General Authority of Civil Aviation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (GACA) and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
The Dublin-based company’s services will also enable the seamless integration of green technology and waste and resource management, aligned with the highest standards of sustainability while prioritising safety and security.
daa international’s proven track-record
The partnership will build on daa International’s experience in airport operations. The company alongwith with TRSDC will integrate innovative solutions across all RSI operations to eliminate and offset carbon emissions, optimize energy consumption, and advance efficiencies in resource and waste management.
TRSDC and daa International have also been working together towards ACI Europe’s Airport Carbon Accreditation Program with the intention of securing the highest current standard Level 4+, which would make RSI the first new airport to ever secure this standard before operations commence. Discussions are also in progress with regards to creating a new ‘Level 5’ standard, in turn making RSI the first airport in the world to acquire this new industry leading rating.
“Our agreement with leading industry player daa International, with a proven track-record of excelling in international aviation, marks our latest step towards materializing a sustainable, regenerative gateway that will open this under-explored region of Saudi Arabia to the world.”
John Pagano, CEO, TRSDC & AMAALA
Pagano added: “Ahead of welcoming our first guests early next year, Red Sea International is ushering in a carbon-neutral, net-zero era for airport designs and operations. As the region’s first-ever airport powered by 100 percent renewable energy, RSI will serve as an innovative blueprint for decarbonized urban destinations of the future.”
Meanwhile, Nicholas Cole, CEO of daa International, said: “The Red Sea International airport is primed to deliver luxury guest experiences unlike any other. We are thrilled to partner with TSRDC to bring to life a seamless, ultra-premium, highly personalized experience for each passenger traveling through this unique gateway, underpinned by stringent sustainability goals.”
