Mace has been appointed as delivery partner to oversee the planning and construction for the development of an ambitious international airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The global construction consultancy is working alongside King Salman International Airport Development Company (KSIADC), which is owned by Saudi’s Public Investment Fund (PIF).
The company will lead the full range of delivery partner services for the six-runway airport. This will incorporate project and programme management, PMO and planning, construction management, cost and commercial management, procurement, logistics, health and safety strategy, along with sustainability, environmental and carbon-advisory services.
Mace’s integrated team will focus on optimising planning and construction schedules to enable the phased completion of one of the world’s largest airports. The new major aviation hub is set to be ready to host people travelling for Riyadh Expo 2030 and FIFA World Cup 2034 and is expected to play a key role in Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification under Vision 2030.
Marco Mejia, acting chief executive for KSIADC, said: “We are committed to delivering this airport as a global benchmark, propelling Saudi Arabia’s 2030 vision for Riyadh’s transformation into a global hub and position Saudi Arabia as an economic powerhouse.
“We are thrilled to welcome these industry leaders to work closely with the KSIA team. Their combined expertise will be instrumental in delivering a world-class airport that surpasses expectations and fuels regional economic prosperity.”
KSIADC appointed Mace because of the firm’s experience leading major global aviation programmes – including Heathrow Airport in the UK, Schiphol Airport in the Netherlands, Keflavik International Airport in Iceland, and Hamad International Airport in Qatar – as well as its reputation as a leading delivery partner, and extensive giga-project portfolio in the Middle East.
Davendra Dabasia, chief executive of Mace Consult, said: “King Salman International Airport is a game-changing infrastructure programme. The scale of ambition for the programme’s physical build, as well as its commitment to sustainability, innovation and economic development, is unmatched.
“Our consultancy experience developing some of the world’s most famous infrastructure projects, construction expertise and rich heritage in the aviation sector means we are perfectly placed to deploy our full service offering and help KSIADC successfully deliver one of the largest airports in the world.”
Christopher Seymour, managing director of Middle East and Africa at Mace Consult, added: “Under Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia is fast emerging as a global epicentre for iconic megaprojects and programmes. Securing this delivery partner role with KSIADC builds on our ongoing growth in the Middle East, providing us with a fantastic opportunity to help deliver an iconic programme that will bring major benefits to businesses, communities, tourists, and residents in the Kingdom.”
King Salman International Airport will span 57 square kilometres and is expected to welcome more than 100 million passengers when it opens in 2030.
In addition to providing direct benefits for passengers such as a seamless airport journey, recreational facilities, significantly improved cargo and logistics capability, and an extensive retail and leisure offering, the airport will deliver social value for Saudi Arabia.
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