GACA President Thanks King Salman on Taif New Airport Inauguration


Riyadh, October 3, 2017
His Excellency the president of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) Mr. Abdlhakim Al-Tamimi expressed his thanks and appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques king Salman bin Abdulaziz on the inauguration of Taif new International Airport.  His Excellency stressed that the event reflects the leadership interest in Civil Aviation sector in general, and the Kingdom’s airports development. The new airport had a special patronage by his Royal Highness Prince Khaled AL Fasil, advisor of king Salman, Prince of Makkah Region, and the follow up by His Excellency Mr. Suliman Alhamdan, Minister of Transport, and Chairman of GACA.  
 
Mr. Al-Tamimi indicated that Taif new airport project is one among the privatization projects implemented by GACA as BTO (Build-Transfer-Operate) system, according to its strategic plan that is in line with the Kingdom 2030 vision. GACA objectives are in line with a vision that aims to develop the national economy, the privatization efforts, and enhance transparency that will improve the provided services to the Kingdom citizens, visitors and guests, in addition to reliance on its own resources.
 
“Taif new international airport will be implemented according to the highest global standards. This project aims to serve pilgrims from the Kingdom, or abroad, improve the provided services, and keep up with the ever-increasing demand on flights. In addition to support the economy of Taif province and Makkah region, and tourism activities. It will also be able to accommodate new giant aircrafts such as (A380). This new airport will operate according to commercial basis through providing investment opportunities to the private sector inside and outside the terminals. This will help to integrate with other economic sectors which requires airports with certain features to grow.” Al-Tamimi said. 
 
Mr. Al-Tamimi said that the capacity of the airport terminals would reach 6 million passengers, in addition to 1.5 million at the Hajj and Umrah terminal. Regarding to the costs of the project, the winner investor is (Atiaf) which will invest with more than 3 billion after completion of all stages. While the authority will provide infrastructure costs which estimated by 371 million riyals. This new project reflects the unprecedented time of development to a bright future for the Kingdom with the leadership of king Salman and his Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman.  
Related Images