Honeywell And Riyadh Airports Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Explore the Use of Integration and Automation Technology at King Khalid International Airport

Honeywell (Nasdaq: HON) and Riyadh Airports Company (RAC) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore the use of Honeywell technologies that enable integration and automation at King Khalid International Airport (KKIA) to increase efficiency, predictability and safety in its airport operations while also minimizing environmental impact.

The MoU between RAC and Honeywell outlines the implementation, operation and maintenance of new Honeywell technologies at KKIA. Honeywell will design and co-develop solutions with RAC to help the organization deliver on key outcomes at KKIA including operational efficiency, uptime and continuity, sustainability and the passenger experience. RAC will also pilot and validate new Honeywell solutions at KKIA.

“RAC continues to pursue its digital transformation program to be one of the region’s leading airport operators,” said Eng. Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Maghlouth, CEO of Riyadh Airports Company. “This collaboration will not only allow us to improve operations at KKIA but capitalize on the potential represented by the future passenger demand to enhance the overall experience of our passengers and further accelerate the future development of Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector as per the civil aviation strategy and the national transport and logistics strategy.” 

“The foresight of companies like RAC to adopt new technologies to position its airports as not only some of the most advanced in the region but also the world,” said Philipose Jacob, general manager, Global Airports, Honeywell Building Technologies. “Honeywell is pleased to work with RAC to co-develop and design technologies that will improve the operational efficiency, uptime and overall passenger experience at KKIA while supporting its efforts to meet its Saudi Vision 2030 commitments.”

The collaboration highlights the commitment of RAC and Honeywell in supporting Saudi Vision 2030 – the national roadmap to transform the Kingdom into an industrial powerhouse and a global logistics hub. The vision’s focus is on developing high-tech and knowledge-based careers that add significant value to the Saudi economy to compete globally. 

Located in the north of Riyadh, KKIA comprises of five terminals and serves as the gateway to Saudi Arabia’s largest city. Upon the Honeywell technology upgrade completion in 2022, terminals 3 and 4 will be able to accommodate up to 11 million passengers annually for international flights, incorporate 14 travel gates and 80 check-in counters. 

Honeywell supports the unique needs of Saudi Arabia’s aviation airports sector and its technology is a critical enabler sustainable airport operations. Honeywell offers airports in the region decades of experience combined with proven, advanced technologies that address both current and future needs.

Honeywell continues to strengthen its footprint in the Kingdom, playing a vital role in advancing the development of the country’s industries and localization efforts that aid its transformation to a knowledge-based economy. Recent Honeywell developments in the Kingdom include the scheduled openings of two new facilities that will produce gas detection devices, natural gas as well as liquid fuel, and create new employment opportunities open to Saudi nationals.