SAUDI ARABIA. Riyadh Airports Company Chief Commercial Officer Abdulaziz Al-Asaker has been selected among the most influential Arab Chief Commercial Officers for 2024 by Arabian World Magazine.
The prestigious selection is based on sustained and impactful contributions to the commercial sector and reflects a stellar year for the company.
“I would like to express my gratitude to the distinguished team at Riyadh Airports Company who were behind these achievements,” Al-Asaker commented.
In a LinkedIn post, he listed some of Riyadh Airports Company’s many achievements in 2024, noting: “The year 2024 ended with exceptional achievements in line with the ambitious goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, and in implementation of the National Civil Aviation Strategy and to achieve the objectives of Riyadh Airports Company.
“Thanks to our distinguished team and the support of our wise leadership, we were able to overcome challenges and turn them into opportunities, which paved the way for a brighter future. In 2025, we look forward to achieving more and upgrading our services to meet the aspirations of our valued passengers.”
Al-Asaker said passenger numbers at King Khalid International Airport (KKIA), gateway to Riyadh, had grown +15% year-on-year to 37 million. In terms of global destinations, 25 new air routes were added, including 12 international destinations for commercial aviation. And 15 new airlines began serving the airport.
“One of our top priorities was the passenger experience, where the development of Terminal 1 International contributed to increasing the capacity of King Khalid International Airport by +40% to receive 7 million passengers annually. The lounge is characterised by its unique design, preserving the identity of King Khalid International Airport in the Sulaimani style,” he commented.
On a commercial level, 21 tenders were issued, resulting in more than 40 new contracts, while over 160 were renewed. Non-aeronautical revenues rose +15% compared to 2024 while multiple commercial projects were launched in the domestic and international terminals, including more than 40 projects across the retail and food & beverage sectors.
“We have launched a completely new shopping experience at our airports, opening five duty-free zones in the 3-4-1 international lounges, including the first duty-free shops in the arrival area at the Kingdom’s airports, designed to meet the needs of passengers and provide a unique shopping experience,” Al-Asaker commented.
“Believing that the lounges are not just a transit area for travellers, but an ideal destination for shopping and relaxation, we have provided a variety of global and local food, beverage and retail brands, including Elan London (EL&N), Nero Café, Eric Kayser and Half Million.”
New strategic partnerships with leading international companies including Autogrill, Modern Arab Company and Plaza Premium Group are all designed to enhance the passenger experience and provide world-class services, he observed.
Al-Asaker concluded: “These achievements bring us closer to achieving our vision of being one of the best airports in the world. I can only thank our outstanding team and partners for their continuous efforts that made this achievement possible. Together, we will continue to strive for more excellence in 2025.” ✈
Note: The Moodie Davitt Report Founder & Chairman Martin Moodie will be on location in Saudi Arabia later this month. Look out for his series of reports soon after.
