Starlinks taps Swisslog for Saudi airport logistics automation program

Starlinks has chosen Swisslog to build a warehouse automation program for a new aircraft MRO facility in Saudi Arabia. The project is meant to support growing aviation maintenance and spare-parts demand across the kingdom and the wider Middle East.

Why it matters: - The program is designed to give a new aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul facility a high-automation logistics backbone. - The investment is meant to improve storage, handling and distribution of aviation parts while leaving room for future growth. - The project supports Saudi Arabia’s push to strengthen its role as a regional aviation and logistics hub.

What happened: - Starlinks selected Swisslog to deliver a comprehensive warehouse automation program for a new MRO facility in Saudi Arabia. - The program is part of an integrated supply chain solution for one of the Middle East’s leading airlines. - The facility will be built in one of the region’s key aviation centers. - The announcement was issued on September 14, 2026.

The details: - Starlinks will handle supply chain design, automation planning and operational execution. - Swisslog will provide warehouse automation systems and software for inventory storage, material handling and distribution across the facility. - The integrated solution combines AutoStore high-density storage, pallet automation and Swisslog’s SynQ software. - AutoStore will be used to store small parts in modular bins with mobile robots retrieving items quickly. - The setup is intended to improve precision for critical components and use warehouse space more efficiently. - Pallet automation will include Swisslog Vectura storage and retrieval cranes, ProMove pallet transport systems, shuttle carts, internal conveyors and order-picking stations. - These systems will connect receiving, inspection, storage and order fulfillment into one material flow. - The automation program is meant to create a highly automated logistics infrastructure for storing and moving aviation materials. - Starlinks said the project reflects Saudi Arabia’s growing investment in aviation, logistics and industrial capabilities. - Swisslog said the combination of AutoStore, pallet automation and SynQ will support inventory availability, space efficiency and reliable material flow. - Starlinks is part of Ali Zaid Al Quraishi & Brothers (AZAQ) and operates across Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council region. - Swisslog is a Swiss automation company headquartered in Buchs/Aarau, Switzerland, and is part of KUKA. - Swisslog says it has more than 15,000 employees worldwide.

Between the lines: - The deal signals that aviation maintenance operations in the region are becoming more dependent on automated, data-driven supply chains. - The focus on both small parts and palletized inventory suggests the facility is being built for a broader, more complex parts mix than a traditional warehouse. - The timing fits a wider regional race to expand aviation capacity as airlines grow fleets and cargo operations.

What's next: - Starlinks and Swisslog are expected to advance from design and planning into implementation at the new facility. - The partners also pointed to further collaboration as aviation supply chains continue to grow in volume and complexity. - The companies said the infrastructure is intended to support future demand rather than only current operations.

The bottom line: - Saudi aviation logistics is moving toward deeper automation, and this project places Starlinks and Swisslog at the center of that shift. - More information: Starlinks and Swisslog