26 May 2016
RIYADH -- The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) began to implement several development and construction projects of executive offices in 26 airports around the Kingdom. The lounges add up to one the biggest chain around the world. The VIP lounges are available to the public for a subscribed fee, which allows the travelers a high quality level of services.

Abdullah Al Rasheed, general manager of the executive office at GACA, said the first phase of the development and modernization projects began updating lounges in each of King Khaled International Airport in Riyadh, King Abdul-Aziz International Airport in Jeddah and Hail Airport, as well as erection of new lounges at terminal 5 in King Khalid International Airport. Establishing new executive offices in airports around the Kingdom will go through phases, that's includes construction of new buildings, as well as upgrading the existing ones.

The VIP Lounge at King Abdul-Aziz International Airport in Jeddah has a total area of 4,215 square meter and has a capacity up to 500 passengers. It includes a passenger's sitting area, a commercial area, a meeting room, a business center, restaurant and a prayers hall for both men and women. The lounge is 90% completed and work is ongoing to have it operated by Ramadan.

Work is also underway in the executive office project in terminal 5 at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, which covers an area of 2,750 square meters, with a capacity of 170 passengers. It comes with reception counters, a meeting room, a commercial area and a shuttle service to and from the aircraft by luxury cars. Work is also underway to upgrade the executive office located in terminal 2 at the same airport.

Work is also underway on a VIP lounge in Hail Airport, which covers an area of 222 square meters and can accommodate up to 80 passengers. It has guest reception counters, a café, a reception and farewell area, and a shuttle service to and from the aircraft by car. The project is about 95% completed and is about to handed over for operation by early June, 2016.

Al Rasheed also added that a task force in the executive office is developing a new automated system which is linked to the website allowing the clients to subscribe to the service or renew one's membership. It also allows members for flights early registration and a confirmation sent by SMS and emails will be sent for bookings. In addition to providing a range of new service that includes luggage check in, and issuance of boarding passes. Work is also underway on a special application for smartphones that allows customers to book their vehicles early.

Currently you can sign up for membership, or renewal by filling out the entry form and then send to the following email address ex-office@gaca.gov.sa, or by bringing the application to the nearest executive office with the required documents.

Those who are interested in more information may visit GACA official website www.gaca.gov.sa, or dial center at 920009042.

© The Saudi Gazette 2016