Swissport and Riyadh Air have signed a long-term strategic partnership to establish Saudi Arabia’s first Centralised Load Control (CLC) centre in Riyadh, supporting the airline’s expanding domestic and international network.

The centre is expected to become operational within eight months and will provide centralised load planning, aircraft weight and balance calculations, and load documentation for Riyadh Air flights.

The partnership combines Swissport’s global aviation operations expertise with Riyadh Air’s growth plans, while supporting the development of specialised Saudi aviation talent.

Both companies will invest in knowledge transfer and skills development to build a sustainable local capability.

Centralised Load Control is responsible for ensuring aircraft loads comply with weight and balance requirements before departure.

The Riyadh centre will operate according to Swissport’s global systems, procedures and operational standards.

Through Swissport Academy, Saudi professionals will receive structured training in load planning, weight and balance and related operational processes.

The facility will also expand Swissport Saudi Arabia’s service portfolio and provide a platform for developing additional load control capabilities as Riyadh Air continues to build its network.

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 center 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 center 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.” -TradeArabia News Service