Swissport, the world’s leader in aviation services, and Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier, have entered into a long-term strategic partnership to establish the Kingdom’s first Centralised Load Control (CLC) centre in Riyadh.

Expected to be operational within eight months, the centre will provide centralised load planning, weight and balance calculations and load documentation for Riyadh Air flights across its domestic and international network. Centralising these activities in Saudi Arabia will provide a dedicated capability to support Riyadh Air as it builds its global network.

The partnership will combine Swissport’s global operational expertise with Riyadh Air’s growth ambitions, while creating opportunities to develop Saudi talent in this highly specialised area of aviation. Both companies will invest in knowledge transfer and skills development to establish a sustainable local capability.

Dirk Goovaerts, CEO Continental Europe, Middle East, Africa, India and Global Cargo Chair, Swissport, said: “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 Centralised Load Control centre brings specialised 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, said: “This partnership is an important step in developing specialised 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 centre and supporting Riyadh Air’s growing network from Saudi Arabia.”

Pankaj Handa, VP Ground Operations at Riyadh Air, said: “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 specialised 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.”

Building specialised aviation expertise in Saudi Arabia
Centralised Load Control is a specialised function within airline operations, responsible for planning aircraft loads and ensuring weight and balance requirements are met before departure. Centralising these activities enables specialist expertise and consistent processes to support flights across an airline’s network.

The Riyadh centre will operate in line with Swissport’s global systems, procedures and operational standards. Through Swissport Academy, Saudi professionals will have access to structured learning pathways and training in load planning, weight and balance and related operational processes.

The new centre also adds Centralised Load Control to Swissport Saudi Arabia’s portfolio of aviation services and creates a platform for developing further load control capabilities in the future.

Supporting Saudi Arabia’s aviation growth
Saudi Arabia is undergoing a major transformation of its aviation sector under Vision 2030, with significant investment in infrastructure, connectivity and the development of a broader aviation ecosystem.

As the Kingdom’s new national carrier, Riyadh Air is central to these ambitions, with plans to connect Saudi Arabia with destinations around the world and strengthen Riyadh’s position as a global aviation gateway.

Swissport has operated in Saudi Arabia for 10 years and today employs more than 6,000 aviation professionals, serving customers at 20 airports across the Kingdom. The company’s continued expansion reflects its long-term commitment to supporting the development of Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector.

The partnership builds on this presence, bringing together Riyadh Air’s network ambitions, Swissport’s global expertise and Saudi talent to develop a new specialised aviation capability in the Kingdom.