Swissport Saudi Arabia and Riyadh Air, the Kingdom’s new national carrier, have agreed a long-term strategic partnership to create Saudi Arabia’s first Centralized Load Control (CLC) center in Riyadh. The CLC should be operational within eight months, and will then be responsible for the load planning, weight and balance calculations, and load documentation for Riyadh Air’s entire network, ensuring that each aircraft meets safety and balance requirements before departure.
The two companies are also focusing on talent development in this specific field of aviation. Saudi professionals will have access to the Swissport Academy and receive structured training in load management, control, Swissport’s global systems, procedures and operational standards. This will ensure that local skills are available as Riyadh Air scales up its network.
The initiative supports Vision 2030’s aviation goals. Swissport has operated in Saudi Arabia for 10 years, employing more than 6,000 professionals across 20 airports, and the new center expands its portfolio while laying the groundwork for future load control services.
Dirk Goovaerts, CEO Continental Europe, Middle East, Africa, India and Global Cargo Chair, Swissport, stated: “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 Centralized Load Control center brings specialized 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, commented: “This partnership is an important step in developing specialized 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, added: “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 specialized 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.”
