RIYADH: Saudi Arabia\u2019s aviation sector is set for substantial safety and security enhancements as the National Security Services Co. prepares to embark on an ambitious expansion plan, its CEO told Arab News.<\/p>\n
Turki Matooq Al-Thonayan explained how the company, also known as SAFE, already has operations spanning multiple countries and a workforce exceeding 10,000 employees.<\/p>\n
The comments came on the sidelines of the Future Aviation Forum, which saw over 5,000 industry experts and leaders from more than 120 countries gather in Riyadh to discuss issues facing the sector.<\/p>\n
In his interview with Arab News, Al-Thonayan emphasized the strategic integration of SAFE\u2019s plans with the aviation sector, aligning with broader transportation goals, saying: \u201cThe plan of expansion is totally integrated with aviation. Why we are here is because of transportation, talking about aviation, land, and maritime.\u201d<\/p>\n
Al-Thonayan went on explaining that the company is also targeting Saudi Arabia\u2019s giga-projects like NEOM, the Red Sea and Qiddiya.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are targeting the mass event in VIP protection, industrial facilities. And moreover, we are trying to support the government and their initiative to privatize the security services,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
SAFE was launched in 2021 and is totally owned by the Public Investment Fund.<\/p>\n
According to the CEO, the company was initially focused on security services but has since added firefighting, safety, and critical facility management to its remit.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are working in more than 37 governments within the Kingdom, we are working in Bahrain and we launched our office in the UAE, and we are planning for more expansion in the future,\u201d Al-Thonayan said.<\/p>\n
The focus on customer experience is at the heart of SAFE\u2019s operational ethos. \u201cBecause if we are providing the services like the firefighting, the facility management, the security, this affects the passengers and the customers and the airports,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe engagement between the passengers and the services is going to be for security and verification. Our goal is how to make this experience excellent, how we address the goal of the passengers,\u201d Al-Thonayan explained.<\/p>\n
Understanding the needs of passengers and ensuring their swift and efficient movement through airports is a priority for SAFE. \u201cSometimes their goal is to move as fast as possible to their businesses, to their collaboration within the Kingdom. So we would like to enhance the process. We would like to improve the efficiency of the services within the airport,\u201d the top official noted.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur goal is to be the ultimate security, safety, firefighting partner,\u201d he emphasized.<\/p>\n
Al-Thonayan outlined the firm\u2019s key objectives, which revolve around enhancing service efficiency and generating revenue, and said: \u201cOur success is to be a reliable enabler. So how we can enable the ecosystem of aviation to move faster toward their targets, how we can make them do more.\u201d<\/p>\n
He highlighted that SAFE aims to offer comprehensive solutions that streamline services and ensure reliability, saying: \u201cWe are planning to offer and make a commercial offering for a total solution. So instead of having scattered services among these suppliers, we will have one quality service provider that is reliable from the ecosystem, from the government, from the client, from the service provider.\u201d<\/p>\n
The concept of integration is central to the company\u2019s approach, as Al-Thonayan noted.<\/p>\n
\u201cBeing in Bahrain or being in the UAE, or being in Saudi Arabia, the added value here is to have an integrated service. Door to door, which enables the network to do the business and do smooth and efficient logistics where it contributes and operation excellence, and cost efficiency,\u201d the CEO explained.<\/p>\n
Al-Thonayan stressed the importance of global operations and the role SAFE plays in facilitating seamless travel experiences. \u201cOur target is to make smooth, excellent, and efficient operations with our destination all over the globe. Today we are talking about the globe coming to Saudi Arabia. How can I enhance this process to make their life easy? How we can contribute and the quality of the lifestyle. This is our role,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Highlighting recent partnerships, Al-Thonayan mentioned significant agreements aimed at enhancing the aviation network within the Kingdom.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe ecosystem in aviation consists of airlines, logistics, and airports. So we have signed (an MoU) today with Dammam Airport Co., DACO and Cluster 2, which is another 22 airports,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
These collaborations are going to enhance the network within the Kingdom, according to the CEO. \u201cOur role here is to provide security solutions for our safety solutions, and how can we succeed to transform the model and the business operation from scattered business to a total solution business,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
Al-Thonayan underscored the significance of accredited training and technology integration to enhance services. By shifting security\u2019s role from a cost center to a value generator, SAFE aims to cultivate data networks for expanded services. This vision was demonstrated through recent agreements that are viewed as a starting point for further success and collaboration.<\/p>\n
Al-Thonayan reiterated SAFE\u2019s commitment to setting high standards in the aviation sector and ensuring an exceptional customer experience.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe would like to say to our colleagues in the sector, we are the front or the national front. Passengers, travelers, airport companies, airline companies, will see first our employees, the security, the customer service, and they will make the impression,\u201d he said,<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are obligated and committed to deliver the best customer experience for the globe,\u201d the CEO concluded.<\/p>\n
With these comprehensive strategies and partnerships, SAFE is poised to play a pivotal role in the future of aviation security and customer experience, both within the Kingdom and beyond.<\/p>\n