RIYADH: Matarat Holding, the state-owned corporation in charge of administering Saudi Arabia’s airports, has inked a strategic partnership with French aerospace and defence giant Thales to enhance the Kingdom’s aviation industry using cutting-edge digital technology.
The agreement, signed during the Passenger Terminal Expo 2025 in Madrid, Spain, aims to improve innovation, operational efficiency, and the overall passenger experience across the Kingdom’s 27 airports.
According to Matarat, the alliance will use Thales’ expertise in artificial intelligence, biometrics, automation, and data-driven systems to provide safer, smarter, and more efficient travel experiences.
As part of the agreement, innovative digital platforms and next-generation infrastructure will be implemented across Saudi Arabia’s airport network. This collaboration with Matarat Holding represents a revolutionary step in reimagining the future of the Saudi aviation sector,” said Bernard Roux, Thales’ CEO for Saudi Arabia and Central Asia.
We intend to create an innovative and secure aviation ecosystem by combining Thales’ digital transformation expertise and Matarat’s operational excellence. Roux emphasised that integrating AI, cybersecurity solutions, and linked systems would not only improve passenger experience and efficiency but would also strengthen national security, thereby contributing to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 ambition of being a worldwide aviation leader.
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