Through a strategic partnership with MAFA and BELTCON, supporting the expansion of one of the Kingdom's most important aviation gateways

 Leonardo, among the main global companies in aerospace, defence, and security, MAFA Co. Ltd. and BELTCON, are pleased to announce a award of the baggage handling system automation package contract for the new Terminal 2 expansion of Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, operated by Tibah Airports Operation Company. 

The project represents a significant milestone for all project partners and introduces Leonardo's MBHS® Cross-belt Sorter technology into the country for the first time. The system will form the heart of one of the region's most advanced baggage handling solutions, supporting the continued expansion of an airport currently serving approximately eight million passengers annually while preparing for substantial future growth. 

This strategic collaboration combines Leonardo's internationally proven airport automation technologies with MAFA's regional leadership in airport infrastructure projects and BELTCON's German engineering expertise in baggage handling systems, conveyor technologies, manufacturing, and system integration. Together, the companies will deliver a complete, reliable, and intelligent baggage handling solution designed to meet the highest international operational standards.

Leonardo will supply its industry-leading MBHS® Cross-belt Sorter together with its advanced Sort Allocation Computer (SAC), providing intelligent baggage routing for departures, transfers, and arrivals while ensuring seamless integration with airport operational systems. 

MAFA Co. Ltd., together with BELTCON, will be responsible for the engineering, system integration, manufacturing, installation, testing, commissioning, and successful delivery of the complete baggage handling system. The project further demonstrates the companies' growing role in delivering world-class airport automation solutions across KSA and the wider Middle East. 

The MBHS® Cross-belt Sorter has already been successfully deployed in more than fifty airport projects worldwide and is recognized for its ability to handle conventional as well as irregularly shaped baggage with exceptional accuracy and reliability. Utilizing advanced linear motor technology, inductive power transmission, and wireless communication, the system delivers outstanding sorting performance while significantly reducing operational and maintenance costs.

The project directly supports the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's rapidly growing aviation sector and the objectives of Vision 2030, responding to increasing passenger demand driven by tourism, business travel, and the millions of pilgrims visiting Madinah each year for Hajj and Umrah. The solution has been specifically designed to provide high availability, operational flexibility, and future scalability required by one of the Kingdom's busiest international gateways. 

Site installation activities are scheduled to commence in January 2027, with final system commissioning expected in April 2027. 

This project represents an important strategic achievement for all project partners. For Leonardo, it establishes the company's MBHS Cross-belt Sorter technology in KSA for the first time, expanding its presence in the Middle East. For MAFA and BELTCON, the project further reinforces their position as leading providers of airport baggage handling systems, airport automation, and integrated material handling solutions, delivered through a combination of German engineering excellence, Saudi industrial capability, and long-term local support.