Swissport and Riyadh Air have signed a long-term strategic partnership to establish Saudi Arabia’s first Centralised Load Control (CLC) centre in Riyadh, supporting the airline’s expanding domestic and international network.
The centre is expected
to become operational within eight months and will provide centralised load
planning, aircraft weight and balance calculations, and load documentation for
Riyadh Air flights.
The partnership
combines Swissport’s global aviation operations expertise with Riyadh Air’s
growth plans, while supporting the development of specialised Saudi aviation
talent.
Both companies will
invest in knowledge transfer and skills development to build a sustainable
local capability.
Centralised Load
Control is responsible for ensuring aircraft loads comply with weight and
balance requirements before departure.
The Riyadh centre will
operate according to Swissport’s global systems, procedures and operational
standards.
Through Swissport
Academy, Saudi professionals will receive structured training in load planning,
weight and balance and related operational processes.
The facility will also
expand Swissport Saudi Arabia’s service portfolio and provide a platform for
developing additional load control capabilities as Riyadh Air continues to
build its network.
Dirk Goovaerts, CEO Continental Europe,
Middle East, Africa, India and Global Cargo Chair, Swissport, said: “Riyadh Air
is building a new generation of aviation in Saudi Arabia, and we are pleased to
support that ambition through this strategic partnership. Establishing the
Kingdom’s first Centralised Load Control center brings specialised aviation
expertise closer to the airline’s operations while creating opportunities for
Saudi professionals to build skills in an important area of flight operations.
“
Hamad Alhemede, CEO of Swissport Saudi
Arabia, said: “This partnership is an important step in developing specialised
aviation expertise in the Kingdom. We will combine Swissport’s global standards
and experience with local talent, supported by Swissport Academy, to build a
strong team capable of operating the center and supporting Riyadh Air’s growing
network from Saudi Arabia.”
Pankaj Handa VP Ground Operations at Riyadh
Air, said: “At Riyadh Air, we are building a global airline from the Kingdom,
and we believe achieving that ambition starts with developing strong and
sustainable operational capabilities here at home. Our partnership with
Swissport Saudi Arabia is an important step in developing specialised expertise
and strengthening local capabilities in a critical area of airline operations,
supporting the growth of our global network and our ambitions for the future.
“The value of this partnership goes beyond the delivery of operational
services. It is about transferring knowledge, developing capabilities and
contributing to the wider aviation ecosystem in the Kingdom as the sector
continues its rapid transformation.” -TradeArabia News Service