Enhancing the Future of Saudi Arabia’s Aviation Industry Through Digital Transformation
By Abdullah Al-juffali, Honeywell Country President, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain
Many industries have experienced substantial operational impact and change due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Aviation in particular is undergoing a significant transformation. As the industry continues in its recovery and regrowth, this is particularly noticeable in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The country currently dominates the Middle Eastern aviation market in revenue share and is expected to continue this trend, driven by a government focus to become a key aviation player in the region. [1]
Developing Saudi Arabian Aviation Industry
With the government tripling the size of its aviation sector from SR80 billion ($21.3bn) in 2018 to SR280bn ($74.6bn) by 2030[2] it is looking at different tactics to support that growth. Most notable is the recent announcement of a new airport and national carrier for Riyadh[3] . Equally, upgrading existing airport infrastructure to support future sustainable growth is key.
At Honeywell, we are focusing on enabling the Kingdom’s digital transformation through solutions that create a healthier passenger and staff experience and support sustainability outcomes such as reducing overall energy consumption of airport operations.
Supporting Riyadh Airports Company
An example of this in action can be seen in our work with Riyadh Airport Company (RAC). In 2021 Honeywell signed a memorandum of understanding with RAC to explore the use of Honeywell technologies to enable integration and automation at King Khalid International Airport (KKIA). The aim is to increase efficiency, predictability and safety in its airport operations, while also minimizing environmental impact.
Through this agreement, we support RAC’s strategic vision to deliver the most advanced and sustainable airport operations in the world by delivering technologies that improve the operational efficiency, uptime and overall passenger experience at KKIA.
Saudi Arabia, like other countries within the aviation industry, continues to look for ways to improve customer experience and operational efficiency with advanced analytics. To support the unique needs of Saudi Arabia’s airports and an overall acceleration of digital transformation, Honeywell has developed technologies that aid energy efficiency, managing the flow of passengers, frictionless access control and improving indoor air quality.
With next-generation solutions, we’re helping airports around the world become healthier, safer and more secure at a time when safety, operational efficiency and sustainability are in sharp focus. By embracing the digital transformation, Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector is on the path to a more resilient, sustainable future as it looks to gain a leading position in the regional aviation industry.
With next-generation solutions, we’re helping airports around the world become healthier, safer and more secure at a time when safety, operational efficiency and sustainability are in sharp focus. By embracing the digital transformation, Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector is on the path to a more resilient, sustainable future as it looks to gain a leading position in the regional aviation industry.
[1]Middle East Aviation Market
[2]Saudi Arabia targets $74.6bn aviation industry by 2030: Arabian Business
