GACA eyes launching 2 new logistic zones: AlSulami

Awad AlSulami, Executive Vice President of economic policies and logistics at the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA)

Awad AlSulami, Executive Vice President of Economic Policies and Logistics at the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), said that the authority is looking forward to launching two new private logistics zones at the Kingdom’s international airports, which will be announced during the coming period.

One special logistics zone, the special integrated logistics zone at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, is currently operating, AlSulami told Argaam on the sidelines of the Future Aviation Forum 2024.

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Launched in October 2022, the zone’s main investor was Apple, followed by several investments from Chalhoub, iHerb, and Wohik Begin, the official said, adding that more investments will be announced soon.

He highlighted the importance of attracting quality investments, noting that the Kingdom has excellent logistic initiatives. Since the approval of the aviation strategy to-date, the Kingdom has made several investments in strategic airport locations including carriers, airports, and privatization.

Among the qualitative investments is the major investment agreement signed during the forum between Jeddah Airports Co. (JEDCO) and Singapore’s SAT, one of the largest operators of ground services in Asia and worldwide, AlSulami added.

The economic regulations launched last year stimulate transparency and competition for the aviation sector, the official stressed, noting commercial incentives are provided to airports and logistics areas among others.

Increasing the seating capacity gives additional space to compete in the Kingdom and the Gulf region to increase the number of aircraft in the Kingdom, AlSulami said.

The seating capacity will provide more space for passengers and cargo on board the aircraft, improving customer experience, he added.