Swissport Saudi Arabia and Riyadh Air have signed a long-term strategic partnership to establish the Kingdom’s first Centralized Load Control (CLC) centre in Riyadh, creating a dedicated operational capability to support the airline’s expanding network.
The new facility is expected to be operational within eight months. It will centralise key flight preparation activities, including load planning, weight and balance calculations and load documentation for Riyadh Air flights serving both domestic and international destinations.
By bringing these functions together in Saudi Arabia, the centre will provide Riyadh Air with specialised support as the airline develops its global network. The initiative will also combine Swissport’s international operational expertise with Riyadh Air’s growth plans and Saudi Arabia’s drive to develop local aviation capabilities.
A major element of the agreement will be the transfer of knowledge and development of local expertise. Swissport and Riyadh Air intend to invest in training and skills development to establish a sustainable Saudi-based capability in the specialised field of load control.
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 Centralized Load Control center brings specialized 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, added: “This partnership is an important step in developing specialized 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.”
For Riyadh Air, the initiative is intended to strengthen the operational foundations required to support its international expansion.
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 specialized 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.”
Developing specialised load control expertise
Centralized Load Control plays a critical role in airline operations. The function involves planning how an aircraft will be loaded and ensuring that the required weight and balance conditions are met before departure.
Centralising these responsibilities allows airlines to rely on specialised expertise and consistent operational procedures across their networks. The Riyadh facility will operate according to Swissport’s global systems, procedures and operational standards.
Swissport Academy will support the development of Saudi professionals through structured training programmes covering load planning, weight and balance and other related operational processes. The objective is to create a qualified local team capable of managing the centre while supporting Riyadh Air’s growing flight network.
The project will also broaden Swissport Saudi Arabia’s existing aviation services portfolio by adding Centralized Load Control. In the longer term, the facility is expected to provide a platform from which additional load control capabilities can be developed.
A new capability within Saudi Arabia’s aviation transformation
The partnership comes as Saudi Arabia continues the rapid transformation of its aviation sector under Vision 2030. The country is investing heavily in infrastructure, connectivity and the creation of a wider aviation ecosystem designed to strengthen its position in global air transport.
Riyadh Air, the Kingdom’s new national carrier, is a central part of this strategy. The airline plans to connect Saudi Arabia with destinations worldwide while helping establish Riyadh as a major international aviation gateway.
Swissport already has an established presence in the Kingdom. The company has operated in Saudi Arabia for 10 years and now employs more than 6,000 aviation professionals across 20 airports.
Its continued expansion in the country reflects its long-term commitment to supporting the development of Saudi Arabia’s aviation industry.
The new CLC centre builds on that presence by bringing together Riyadh Air’s international network ambitions, Swissport’s global operational expertise and Saudi talent. Together, the companies aim to create a specialised aviation capability in the Kingdom while contributing to the broader development of the country’s rapidly evolving aviation sector.
