The Red Sea Development Company welcomed a delegation of Irish dignitaries to its offices in Riyadh to celebrate the signing of the agreement (Supplied)

RIYADH, Broadcasting News Corporation : The Red Sea Development Co. has signed a SR1 billion ($266 million) agreement with Dublin-based daa International for it to become operator of Red Sea International Airport, according to a statement. Currently under construction in Hanak, Tabuk, in northwestern Saudi Arabia, the project is set to be the region’s first carbon-neutral airport. The SR1 billion deal covers operations and general maintenance services of what is planned to be a 100 percent renewable energy facility. “Ahead of welcoming our first guests early next year, Red Sea International is ushering in a carbon-neutral, net-zero era for airport designs and operations,” said John Pagano, CEO of TRSDC. “As the region’s first-ever airport powered by 100 percent renewable energy, RSI will serve as an innovative blueprint for decarbonized urban destinations of the future,” he added. The Irish firm will serve as the airport operator for RSI in 2023. It will oversee design consultancy, management, and operations in accordance with the provisions of the General Authority of Civil Aviation of Saudi Arabia and the International Civil Aviation Organization. The airport will be the only one in the region with a runway for seaplanes and water aerodromes, and will be regulated by a new set of GACA safety guidelines, according to the statement. It will service hydrogen-powered seaplane variants, supplied by hydrogen-electric aviation firm ZeroAvia, electric vertical takeoff, landing and electric short takeoff and landing aircraft technology. NEWS COLLECTED FROM ARAB NEWS.