Cluster 2 and Airbus Sign MoU to Advance Smart Airport Operations Across Saudi Arabia
Airbus Defence and Space has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Cluster 2 during the Paris Air Show to deploy advanced digital solutions for enhancing airport operations in Saudi Arabia. The collaboration is set to improve efficiency, safety, and coordination across a network of 22 international and domestic airports managed by Cluster 2.
The signing ceremony was attended by H.E. Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA); Wouter Van Wersch, Executive Vice President of Airbus International; Gabriel Semelas, President of Airbus in the Middle East and Africa; and Mr. Saad A. Alajlan, General Manager of Commercial Operations and Business Development at Cluster 2.
Smart Technology for Smarter Airports
Central to the agreement is the implementation of Agnet Turnaround, a next-generation coordination platform developed by Airbus. The solution provides real-time communication and automation capabilities, enabling streamlined workflows, improved on-time performance (OTP), and an enhanced passenger experience.
The platform will allow for seamless collaboration between ground operations teams, security personnel, and control rooms, ensuring efficient decision-making and reduced response times during critical airport operations.
“This partnership underscores our commitment to driving digital innovation in aviation. With Agnet Turnaround, we are enabling smarter, safer, and more connected airports that align with the Kingdom’s vision for the future of transportation,” said Antoun Farra, Managing Director of Airbus Defence and Space in Saudi Arabia.
“Airports are vital gateways to the Kingdom, and digital transformation is at the heart of our strategy. Partnering with Airbus allows us to enhance safety, reduce response times, and create a unified operations ecosystem across our airports,” added Eng. Badr Al-Dalami, Chief Executive Officer of Cluster 2.
Aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision
This initiative aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader goals under Vision 2030 to modernize and digitize key infrastructure, including the aviation sector. By adopting smart platforms such as Agnet Turnaround, Cluster 2 aims to set new benchmarks in airport operations and support the Kingdom’s status as a global aviation hub.
The agreement also highlights Airbus’ growing role in shaping the future of smart aviation infrastructure in the Middle East, combining global expertise with local partnerships to deliver impactful digital transformation.
