Dutch firm Netherlands Airport Consultants (NACO) beat out several other foreign companies in the bidding process for the prestigious King Abdulaziz Airport contract, reported Middle East Economic Digest. NACO was awarded the contract in late October.
The contract is reportedly worth between $500-$750 million. NACO did not put forth the lowest bid, however Saudi Arabia’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) awarded the contract to them based on the proposed designs and technology. Germany’s Dorsch Consult, France’s Aeroports de Paris, and American Bechtel were the other competitors.
NACO’s work will involve the renovation of the existing station hall, construction of two new passenger terminals (domestic and international arrivals), and a docking pier with 31 gangways linking the terminals to aircraft, as well as a groundwater study and financial appraisal.
Financial details, other than approximated costs, were not released. How the contract will be financed is still under consideration. Potentially, NACO could build-operate, thus receiving commercial rights and operating revenues.
Once completed the airport is expected to increase annual passenger throughput to 21 million. A completion date for the project was not released. — (Albawaba-MEBG)
