Several Arabic dailies in Saudi Arabia reported that General Authority for Civil Aviation (GACA) signed a 15 year "Public Private Partnership" based agreement with the international firm Plaza Premium and its local partner, Meeza Company.

The contract covers the development and operation of  the VIP  lounges at 12 airports: King Abdul Aziz International Airport in Jeddah and King Fahd International Airport in Dammam and King Khaled International Airport in Riyadh Airport, Prince Mohammed bin Abdul Aziz, Madinah and the airport Hail Airport Abha Airport Taif Airport and King Abdullah Jazan Airport Prince Sultan Tabuk Airport and Qassim Airport Najran Airport and Prince Abdul Mohsen Bin Abdul Aziz, Yanbu.

Upon signing the agreement Faisal bin Hamad Al-Sugair Chairman of GACA stated “the agreement reflects the decision of the Council of Ministers to transform the civil aviation sector to a public entity operating under commercial basis, and encouraging  the role of private sector investment in facilities and airport services.”

He stressed “GACA is committed to upgrading its facilities and services to meet international levels to cater for the growing demand for travel and support” pointing  “the partnership agreement contribute in achieving the desired objectives  in developing and operating the VIP lounges” .

The project hand-over is planned to be completed in one year to covering all facilities, coomenciing with  King Abdul Aziz International in Jeddah.

Al-Sugair added Meeza Company was selected from nine shortlisted bidders while the initial registration was 49  Saudi and international companies.