Strategic partnership marks a major milestone in Riyadh Air’s operational rollout and Vision 2030 ambitions
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia | March 2025 — Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier, has signed a major SAR 500 million agreement with Saudi Ground Services Company (SGS) to deliver ground handling services across airports in the Kingdom, marking a critical step forward in the airline’s preparations for its inaugural flights later this year.
The three-year contract, which begins in March 2025, was formalised at Riyadh Air’s headquarters in the presence of senior executives from both organisations. The agreement includes provisions for a two-year extension, reinforcing a long-term partnership between the two leading Saudi aviation entities.
Under the terms of the agreement, SGS will provide a full suite of ground operations support, including ramp handling, baggage operations, and passenger terminal services. These services will support Riyadh Air’s mission to deliver a seamless, premium passenger experience as it positions itself as a global carrier connecting the Kingdom to over 100 destinations by 2030.
Laying the Groundwork for Excellence
“This partnership is a cornerstone of our operational readiness,” said Adam Boukadida, Chief Financial Officer of Riyadh Air. “Ground handling plays a vital role in delivering the world-class service we promise our future passengers. With SGS as our partner, we are confident we will set new industry benchmarks in safety, hospitality, and efficiency.”
The collaboration follows an initial agreement between the two companies signed in August 2024, building momentum as Riyadh Air moves steadily toward its commercial debut.
For SGS, one of the region’s leading ground handling providers, the contract further strengthens its role as a key enabler in Saudi Arabia’s growing aviation ecosystem. “We are honoured to support Riyadh Air on this transformative journey,” said Mohammed Mazi, CEO of Saudi Ground Services Company. “This agreement is more than just a contract—it is a vote of confidence in our people, our standards, and our commitment to elevating the passenger experience in line with global best practices.”
Advancing Vision 2030 Goals
The Riyadh Air–SGS partnership also aligns with broader national goals under Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. Beyond operational efficiency, the agreement is expected to contribute to the Kingdom’s non-oil GDP by SAR 75 billion and support the creation of over 200,000 direct and indirect jobs. It also enhances the competitiveness of local aviation services, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s emergence as a regional and global hub.
As Riyadh Air prepares for takeoff, the airline is rapidly establishing key operational pillars, from fleet acquisitions to crew training and strategic partnerships. With its hub at King Khalid International Airport and a network strategy linking Asia, Africa, and Europe, Riyadh Air is positioned to redefine air travel across the region.
The collaboration with SGS stands as a tangible example of how national synergy and private-public sector cooperation are propelling the Saudi aviation sector into a new era—one that reflects the Kingdom’s growing influence on the global aviation map.
