MATARAT Holding | مطارات القابضة

Background

MATARAT Holding (شركة مطارات القابضة) is a state-owned enterprise established in 2013 by Saudi Arabia's General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA). Formerly known as the Saudi Civil Aviation Holding Company, it rebranded to MATARAT Holding in 2020. The company is headquartered in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and is dedicated to managing and operating the Kingdom's airports. Its mission aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, aiming to transform the nation into a global logistics hub by enhancing airport infrastructure and services.

Key Strategic Focus

MATARAT Holding's strategic objectives include:

Privatization and Institutional Transformation: Transitioning airport operations to private sector management to improve efficiency and service quality. In February 2022, GACA and MATARAT announced the completion of the institutional transformation of 25 airports, launching Jeddah Airports Company and Cluster 2 Company to manage these facilities.

Digital Transformation: Implementing advanced technologies to modernize airport operations. In March 2024, MATARAT signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Devoteam to empower digital transformation in Saudi airports.

Infrastructure Development: Expanding and upgrading airport facilities to accommodate increasing passenger traffic. In December 2024, MATARAT issued a Request for Proposals (RfP) for the privatization and expansion of Abha Airport, aiming to handle up to 10 million passengers annually by 2030.

Financials and Funding

As a state-owned enterprise, MATARAT Holding's funding primarily comes from the Saudi government. Specific financial details, including total funds raised and recent funding rounds, are not publicly disclosed.

Pipeline Development

Key projects in MATARAT Holding's development pipeline include:

Abha Airport Expansion: Aiming to increase capacity to 10 million passengers per year by 2030, with completion scheduled for 2028.

New Taif International Airport: In December 2024, MATARAT, in collaboration with the National Center for Privatization & PPP, launched the Expression of Interest phase for the new Taif International Airport project, designed to accommodate 2.5 million passengers by 2030.

Technological Platform and Innovation

MATARAT Holding is committed to integrating advanced technologies to enhance airport operations:

Digital Transformation Initiatives: Partnerships with companies like Thales and SITA focus on deploying smart, scalable technologies, including AI, biometrics, and automation, to improve passenger experience and operational efficiency.

Slot Coordination Services: In June 2022, MATARAT signed an agreement with Airport Coordination Limited to provide slot coordination, slot facilitation, and data collection services at 26 airports in Saudi Arabia.

Leadership Team

Mohammed Almaghlouth: Appointed CEO in March 2023, Almaghlouth has over 36 years of experience in the aviation sector. Prior to joining MATARAT, he served as CEO of Riyadh Airports Company and Managing Director of the Safari Group.

Leadership Changes

CEO Appointment: Mohammed Almaghlouth was appointed CEO in March 2023, succeeding Mohammed Al-Mowkley.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

Saudi Arabia's aviation sector is undergoing significant transformation, driven by Vision 2030's goal to position the Kingdom as a global logistics hub. The National Aviation Strategy aims to increase international destinations to 250 and passenger capacity to 330 million by 2030.

Competitor Analysis

While MATARAT Holding is a state-owned entity with a unique position in managing Saudi Arabia's airports, it faces competition from international airport management companies seeking partnerships and contracts within the Kingdom. Notable competitors include:

Egis: A global consulting and engineering firm, Egis secured a three-year contract with MATARAT in March 2023 to provide services for 26 airports in Saudi Arabia.

Thales: A global leader in advanced technologies, Thales signed an MoU with MATARAT to drive digital transformation in Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

MATARAT Holding has established several strategic partnerships to enhance its operations:

Egis: A three-year contract signed in March 2023 to provide consulting services for 26 airports, focusing on project management, planning, and design.

Thales: An MoU signed to drive digital transformation in Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector, leveraging Thales's expertise in smart technologies.

SITA: An MoU signed to accelerate the digital transformation of airports across Saudi Arabia, focusing on deploying smart, scalable technologies.

Operational Insights

MATARAT Holding's strategic initiatives position it as a key player in Saudi Arabia's aviation sector. Its focus on privatization, digital transformation, and infrastructure development aligns with national objectives to enhance the Kingdom's global connectivity and economic growth.