daa International has announced a groundbreaking strategic partnership with Plaza Premium Group (PPG), a global leader in airport hospitality, for the management of premium hospitality services at Red Sea International Airport (RSI). This collaboration will see PPG implement its exceptional Plaza Premium First standards in Saudi Arabia for the first time, further reinforcing RSI’s position as a best-in-class airport that blends seamless efficiency with first-class hospitality, according to a statement.
PPG will manage a range of premium services that include four premium lounges for passengers, five F&B outlets, and seven dining rooms catering to airport staff. In a first for Saudi Arabia, the premium departure lounges will deliver a fully a la carte dining experience for all passengers as a luxurious final touchpoint on their departure journey.
Andrew Tyler-Smith, chief executive officer of RSI, added: “Our partnership with Plaza Premium Group marks an exciting step forward in delivering an elevated airport experience. By combining our expertise in airport management with Plaza Premium Group’s global excellence in hospitality, we are setting a new standard for comfort, service, and innovation. We look forward to welcoming travelers to our premium lounges and dining spaces, where every detail is designed to enhance their journey.”
Exclusive feel for every traveler
The new RSI airport has been thoughtfully designed to draw inspiration from the natural beauty of the desert, the serenity of a green oasis, and the vastness of the sea. This innovative design further aims to eliminate the usual stresses associated with travel, offering passengers a tranquil and memorable experience from the moment they arrive.
Additionally, the terminal’s architecture is crafted to bring the exclusive feel of a private aircraft terminal to every traveler. By creating smaller, intimate spaces, the airport ensures a luxurious and personalized experience for all passengers. Also, the lounges and F&B outlets will be meticulously designed to provide a luxurious and relaxing environment, perfectly aligning with the sustainable and high-end ethos of The Red Sea destination.
Commitment to luxury tourism
Bora Isbulan, deputy CEO of Plaza Premium Group, commented on the partnership: “We are thrilled to join forces with Red Sea International Airport at this groundbreaking airport. With the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at the forefront of our strategic priorities and significant investments allocated for the region, we take immense pride in this partnership. As the global leader in airport hospitality solutions with the largest network of lounges worldwide, we will leverage our expertise to transform this sustainable gateway into a luxury destination for discerning travelers. Our world-class teams, award-winning services and integrated technology solutions deliver personalized journeys at every touchpoint. This collaboration perfectly aligns with our commitment to elevating airport experiences while supporting the Red Sea destination’s vision for responsible luxury tourism.”
Expansion across the Middle East
Moreover, Okan Kufeci, senior vice president, EMEA of Plaza Premium Group, added: “Our strategic partnership with Red Sea International Airport marks a significant milestone in our portfolio expansion across Middle East. By introducing Plaza Premium First standards to Saudi Arabia, we are not only enhancing the travel experience but also reinforcing our commitment to delivering exceptional hospitality solutions globally. This collaboration is a testament to our ongoing efforts to innovate and elevate airport services, setting new benchmarks for comfort and luxury”.
Furthermore, RSI is developed by Red Sea Global and serves as the primary gateway to The Red Sea destination, which welcomed its first guests in 2023, and now has five hotels open. Situated within three hours’ flying time of 250 million people and eight hours’ flying time for 85 percent of the world’s population, RSI has been receiving a regular schedule of domestic flights since September 2023 and international flights began in April 2024, with a twice-weekly route between The Red Sea and Dubai International.
