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Saudi Arabia/United States—A select delegation from Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) recently concluded a formal visit to the highly-acclaimed NBAA Business Aviation Convention Exhibition (BACE), held in Las Vegas, USA, from October 22-24.The visit by the Saudi delegation was aimed at keeping abreast with the latest market developments and offerings in the general aviation sector, in addition to boosting cooperation and strategic partnerships with relevant stakeholders. The representative team further displayed its ongoing efforts in enhancing and raising the quality of general aviation within the Kingdom. During their visit, the Saudi delegation conducted meetings with senior executives of numerous manufacturing aircraft companies and other affiliates operating them on a global level. The discussions underlined modern technologies, innovations and solutions within the general aviation industry which also encompassed major global companies that manufacture, operate, and/or maintain business-run or private chartered aircraft. Several other key topics relative to aviation were also addressed which include leveraging cooperation associated with finding new and diverse means of effective transportation, and the importance of keeping pace and allocating suitable infrastructure in line with the continuous growth of modern aviation technologies. Earlier this year, the Kingdom’s General Authority of Civil Aviation launched the “General Aviation Roadmap” during the Future Aviation Forum 2024, where it showcased the latest market offerings across the business aircraft, private chartered aircraft and aviation sectors, in addition to highlighting stakeholder relations and support for aircraft owners, investors, operators and service providers. Furthermore, the roadmap displayed the establishment of six new airports dedicated to the general aviation in Saudi Arabia, which are set to cement the country’s position as a world-class business and tourism destination, which comes in line with the wider objectives of the Saudi Aviation Strategy and Saudi Vision 2030. The NBAA BACE (Business Aviation Convention Exhibition) is one of the largest general aviation events worldwide where over 500 leading and key aviation companies partake in. The high-profile exhibition is typically held in Las Vegas, United States, on an annual basis and enables aviation stakeholders to network, exhibit, and exchange thoughts about the latest happenings within the aviation sector.

His Excellency the President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation, Mr. Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, met today with the Ambassador of the Republic of Kenya to the Kingdom, Mr. Mohamed Ramadan Ruang, at the Authority's headquarters in Riyadh. During the meeting, they reviewed topics of common interest and discussed ways to enhance areas of cooperation between the two countries in the field of air transport.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, represented by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), today concluded its participation in the International Civil Aviation Negotiation Event (ICAN 2024). Organized by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) from October 21-25 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the event included representatives from over 80 countries and several international organizations. GACA President Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej led the Kingdom's delegation. During ICAN 2024, GACA signed 15 agreements and memoranda of understanding with various countries in the field of air services to enhance bilateral cooperation in air transport and expand the network of connections. More than 30 bilateral meetings were held throughout the event. Among the signed agreements were eight memoranda of understanding and minutes of discussions aimed at improving cooperation between the Kingdom and several participating countries in air transport. These included agreements with Uzbekistan, Suriname, Belarus, Cuba, Türkiye, Liberia, and Brunei Darussalam. A memorandum of understanding was also signed with Mongolia, addressing a draft bilateral agreement on air services. ICAN 2024 featured numerous bilateral meetings where the president of GACA engaged with leaders of civil aviation authorities from around the world. He met with heads and officials of delegations from Seychelles, Brunei Darussalam, Malaysia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, and Liberia. The discussions covered various topics related to the event and opportunities to strengthen economic ties and collaboration in air transport. The agenda also included a memorandum of discussion with the United States signed by GACA Executive Vice President for Air Transport and International Cooperation Ali bin Mohammed Rajab. Also signed were a draft protocol to amend the Air Services Agreement, a memorandum of understanding in air transport with South Africa, and a memorandum of discussion with Latvia. Furthermore, an Air Services Agreement was signed with Guinea, alongside additional meetings with delegations from the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, the Sultanate of Oman, the Dominican Republic, the Netherlands, Russia, India, Ethiopia, and Austria, focusing on ways to enhance cooperation in civil aviation The GACA delegation held separate bilateral meetings with Jamaica, Kuwait, and India, resulting in signed minutes of consultations to boost cooperation in air transport. A meeting with representatives from the Republic of Korea was also conducted to discuss various topics and collaboration opportunities in civil aviation. These agreements and memoranda of understanding are designed to support the strategic objectives of the civil aviation sector by building international partnerships that aim to enhance the Kingdom's air connectivity with the world to 250 destinations, transform it into a global logistics platform, and facilitate the transportation of 330 million passengers annually by 2030.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) President Abdulaziz Al-Duailej announced on Monday that Saudi Arabia is solidifying its position as a global leader in search and rescue operations. "Saudi Arabia has proposed the designation of September 10 as "International Search and Rescue Day," he said while revealing a $200,000 donation from the Kingdom to support the initiative. Al-Duailej made these remarks while inaugurating the 71st meeting of the International Satellite Search and Rescue Program (COSPAS-SARSAT), hosted by the Kingdom from October 15 to 24. The event was held for the first time outside the founding countries of the program — US, France, Russia, and Canada. The meeting includes participants from 45 countries and organizations and is chaired by Henrik Smith, the current chairman of the COSPAS-SARSAT Program Council. In his speech, Al-Duailej highlighted Saudi Arabia's pivotal role in global search and rescue efforts since joining the program in 2000. The Kingdom has developed advanced search and rescue capabilities, including the establishment of the Saudi Center for Search and Rescue Missions in Jeddah. The center now serves as a key regional hub, supporting search and rescue operations for seven neighboring countries: Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Syria, and Yemen. Al-Duailej underscored Saudi Arabia's commitment to the Global Aeronautical Distress and Safety System and the Autonomous Distress Tracking technology, ensuring full regulatory compliance by aircraft operators and rescue coordination centers. The Kingdom is also adapting to technological advancements, such as drones, to enhance aviation safety and efficiency. The GACA president also announced that Saudi Arabia will host the Central and Southern Regions Meeting in Jeddah from February 24 to 27, 2025, which will offer specialized training workshops to strengthen the capabilities of search and rescue personnel in the region. He called for increased cooperation among all participants to create a safer and more secure future in civil aviation globally. "The Kingdom's active role in search and rescue, particularly through its satellite-based efforts, further establishes it as a significant player on the international stage," he added.

Executive Vice President for Air Transport and International Cooperation at the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) Ali bin Mohammed Rajab has highlighted the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's initiatives and vision to establish itself as a central hub for international flights. Rajab made his remarks during a panel discussion titled "Benefits and Challenges of Liberalizing International Air Transport," which was part of the International Civil Aviation Negotiation Event (ICAN 2024) held in Malaysia between October 21 and 25. Rajab noted that the Kingdom has achieved unprecedented milestones, with 87% of the initiatives under the Saudi Vision 2030 realized. These initiatives aim to position the Kingdom as a key international flight hub, with the value of investment opportunities in the aviation sector reaching up to $100 billion. They leverage private sector resources and expertise in alignment with the National Aviation Strategy. He added that the sector saw an unprecedented 26% increase in passenger numbers in 2023, reaching 122 million, driven by the implementation of new economic regulations that enhance competition, ensure transparency, and attract investment. The GACA official also pointed out that the National Aviation Strategy aims to boost air cargo capacity from the current 0.8 million tons to 4.5 million tons by 2030. ICAN 2023, held in Riyadh from December 3 to 7, 2023, witnessed the signing of 521 agreements, memoranda of understanding, and records of discussions, along with 579 bilateral meetings and negotiations on air transport services. Over 100 countries, international organizations, and over 700 civil aviation experts and specialists attended the event. ICAN 2024 serves as a unique platform for global aviation leaders to conduct bilateral, regional, or multilateral negotiations on air transport services, where it attracted over 700 delegates and leaders from the global civil aviation sector on its opening day.

he General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) issued today, Oct. 22, an index for the classification of air transport service providers and airports based on the number of complaints filed by travelers to the authority in September. GACA stated that the total number of complaints submitted by passengers against airlines in September amounted to 1,273. Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) was the least carrier complained about, with 29 complaints per 100,000 passengers. The state-run airline recorded a timely complaint handling rate of 100%. Flyadeal ranked second, with 29 complaints and a closure rate of 100%. Meanwhile, Flynas came third, with 31 complaints per 100,000 passengers, reporting a timely complaint closure rate of 100%. The most frequent complaints for September were about luggage, boarding services, then ticketing. For the same month, King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh reported the lowest complaints, at a rate of 0.3% per 100,000 passengers, among international airports that receive over six million passengers annually. Only 11 complaints were submitted by travelers, with a timely complaint handling rate of 100%. Prince Naif International Airport was the least airport complained about, at a rate of 1% per 100,000 passengers, among international airports that receive less than six million passengers annually. It reported a timely complaint handling rate of 100%. For domestic reports, Arar Airport recorded the lowest complaints per 100,000 passengers with one complaint, or 3%, recording a timely complaint processing rate of 100%.

The Kingdom, represented by the General Authority of Civil Aviation, participated yesterday in the work of the International Air Transport Services Negotiations Conference (ICAN 2024), organized by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), during the period October 21-25 in the Malaysian capital, Kuala Lumpur, with the attendance of more than 80 countries.

President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej announced today that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is solidifying its position as a global leader in search and rescue operations, proposing the designation of September 10 as "International Search and Rescue Day" and revealing a $200,000 donation from the Kingdom to support the initiative. Al-Duailej made his announcement during his opening speech at the 71st meeting of the International Satellite Search and Rescue Programme (COSPAS-SARSAT), hosted by the Kingdom from October 15 to 24 and held for the first time outside the founding countries of the program—US, France, Russia, and Canada. The meeting includes participants from 45 countries and organizations and is chaired by Henrik Smith, the current chairman of the COSPAS-SARSAT Program Council. Al-Duailej highlighted the Kingdom's pivotal role in global search and rescue efforts since joining the program in 2000. The Kingdom has developed advanced search and rescue capabilities, including the establishment of the Saudi Center for Search and Rescue Missions in Jeddah. The center now serves as a key regional hub, supporting search and rescue operations for seven neighboring countries: Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Syria, and Yemen. He underscored Saudi Arabia's commitment to the Global Aeronautical Distress and Safety System and the Autonomous Distress Tracking technology, ensuring full regulatory compliance by aircraft operators and rescue coordination centers. The Kingdom is also adapting to technological advancements, such as drones, to enhance aviation safety and efficiency. The president of GACA also announced that Saudi Arabia will host the Central and Southern Regions Meeting in Jeddah from February 24 to 27, 2025, which will offer specialized training workshops to strengthen the capabilities of search and rescue personnel in the region. He concluded by calling for increased cooperation among all participants to create a safer and more secure future in civil aviation globally. The Kingdom's active role in search and rescue, particularly through its satellite-based efforts, further establishes it as a significant player on the international stage.

he General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) issued its monthly report on the performance of domestic and international airports in Saudi Arabia for September. King Khalid International Airport, King Fahd International Airport, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Airport, Al-Ahsa airport and Gurayat Domestic Airport took the leading positions, as the airports were classified into five categories. Among international airports with more than 15 million passengers annually, Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport took the first place with a compliance rate of 82%, followed with Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport (73%). In the category of international airports with five to 15 million passengers annually, King Fahd International Airport led with a compliance rate of 91%. Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport came second with a compliance rate of 91%. Among international airports with two to five million passengers annually, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Jizan took the first place with a 100% compliance rate. Abha International Airport followed with a 100% compliance rate. In the category of international airports with less than two million passengers, Al-Ahsa International Airport achieved 100% compliance, outperforming peers in terms of total average waiting time for departure and arrival flights. For domestic airports, Gurayat Domestic Airport came on top with a 100% compliance rate, surpassing peers in terms of total average waiting time for departure and arrival flights.

His Excellency the President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), Mr. Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, met today with the Ambassador of the Dominican Republic to the Kingdom, Mr. Andy Rodriguez Duran, at GACA’s headquarters in Riyadh. During the meeting, they discussed topics of mutual interest and explored ways to enhance cooperation between the Kingdom and the Dominican Republic in the civil aviation sector.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) held a workshop today to update its corporate strategy, with the participation of the Vice Presidents, Directors and sector officials at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Riyadh. The workshop reflects GACA's ongoing commitment to refining and realigning its strategy to enhance its role as an independent regulatory and oversight body. It aims to enable GACA to provide world-class regulatory services and develop innovative solutions for the benefit of the global aviation industry. Discussions covered various topics, including an analysis of the current situation and the updated provisions of the corporate strategy. Participants also explored ways to improve GACA's performance and strengthen its role in elevating the sector’s standards and increasing its competitiveness. The goal is to align with the aspirations of the leadership by investing in and developing the aviation sector to better serve citizens and travelers alike.

His Excellency the Governor of the General Authority for Military Industries, Eng. Ahmed bin Abdulaziz Al-Ohali, and His Excellency the President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), Mr. Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) today at GACA's headquarters in Riyadh to foster mutual cooperation to enable advanced air mobility in the Kingdom. The MoU aims to support the advanced air mobility project and build industrial capabilities for developing its systems, positioning Saudi Arabia as a leader in aviation innovation. The agreement outlines several key areas of cooperation, including: - Exchange of scientific and practical expertise between the two authorities. - Development of industrial capabilities for vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), and air traffic systems for unmanned aircraft. - Establishing working groups to coordinate relevant activities and initiatives. - Workshops, training programs, and knowledge-sharing to enhance expertise. - Collaboration on maintenance and repair service projects to support the aviation sector. This MoU aligns with the General Authority for Military Industries' role in regulating, localizing, and advancing the military industries sector, including military air transportation. It reflects the authority’s commitment to forming strategic partnerships with government entities to foster cooperation and knowledge exchange, contributing to the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. The MoU also advances the General Authority of Civil Aviation’s strategic goals, which focus on building partnerships to promote safe, sustainable, and efficient transportation under a regulatory framework aligned with international best practices. GACA aims to collaborate with local and global manufacturers to establish robust regulations that ensure the secure and effective operation of VTOL aircraft and advanced air mobility applications.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) concluded its participation in the World Logistics Forum 2024, held from October 12-14, 2024. The forum, organized by the Ministry of Transport and Logistics Services brought together more than 100 speakers, including experts, industry pioneers, sector leaders, and representatives from both government and the private sector. The event took place at the King Abdullah Financial Center in Riyadh. During the forum, GACA showcased the objectives of its ambitious sector strategy, which aims to increase air cargo capacity from 0.8 million tons in 2023 to 4.5 million tons by 2030. This initiative seeks to position the Kingdom a key link in global supply chains, by investing $100 billion in modernizing aviation infrastructure and leveraging Saudi Arabia’s strategic location at the crossroads of three continents. Dialogue Sessions and Highlights His Excellency Mr. Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, President of GACA, participated in a panel discussion on the role of air freight in enhancing Saudi Arabia’s leadership in the global logistics sector. He emphasized the importance of the aviation sector strategy in addressing global logistics challenges and the role of Riyadh’s integrated logistics zoneand other zones in advancing the Kingdom’s comprehensive logistics vision. In another dialogue session focused on air freight developments, Afnan Khaled Al-Haboudel, Director General of Special Economic Zones at GACA, joined a panel of experts to discuss the latest trends and best practices for enhancing air freight standards. Licensing of Global Companies As part of its efforts to attract global companies to the integrated logistics zone in Riyadh, GACA granted four commercial licenses to international firms specializing in innovative technology, artificial intelligence, logistics services, and e-commerce. These licenses were presented in the presence of His Excellency Mr. Al-Duailej. GACA, represented by Executive Vice President for Economic Policies and Logistics, Awad bin Atallah Al-Salmi, awarded licenses to: - Sapphire: A strategic investment by a machinery company. - Bahri Logistics Services Company: To provide logistics services for Boeing’s aircraft spare parts. - Danfoss (Denmark): To conduct light manufacturing operations. - Shein: To establish a distribution center in the integrated logistics zone, positioning it as a regional hub serving the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Forum Objectives The World Logistics Forum aims to: - Enhance the efficiency of the logistics sector and promote economic growth. - Strengthen local, regional, and international connectivity within global trade networks and supply chains. - Foster public-private partnerships to boost collaboration and job creation. - Position Saudi Arabia as a global logistics hub, in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

Saudi Arabia, represented by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (CAGA), will host the 71st session of the International Satellite Search and Rescue Program (COSPAS-SARSAT) from October 15 to 24. The meeting will be chaired by Henrik Smith, Head of the Program, and will welcome representatives from 45 countries and organizations, alongside key Saudi government entities such as the General Directorate of Border Guards, the Royal Saudi Air Force, the National Center for Security Operations, the Saudi Space Agency, and the Communications and Space Technology Commission. The hosting reflects the Kingdom’s active role in the air transport sector and its commitment to satellite search and rescue operations at local, regional and international levels. Saudi Arabia is a pioneer in the region, having been among the first to join the program as a provider of ground sectors. The meeting, marking the first time it is held outside the headquarters of the program’s General Secretariat or its founding countries (the United States of America, France, Russia and Canada), will discuss several critical topics. Key agenda items include: - Operational and technical reports concerning the space and ground sectors of the Program. - Updates on emergency locator devices and administrative matters, including the review of previous council decisions and progress reports. - Discussions with international bodies such as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). - Presentation of the General Secretariat’s 2023 Annual Report, and review of the Secretariat's work plan for 2025. - Review of the Joint Committee's 38th meeting report (JC-38) and related recommendations. - Finalization of the program’s documents for approval, and confirmation or amendment of the agenda for future meetings. During the event, the General Authority of Civil Aviation will showcase the Saudi Search and Rescue Center, operated by the Saudi Air Navigation Services Company. As one of the region’s first centers, it leverages the COSPAS-SARSAT to provide distress signal notifications to relevant government agencies. The center’s services extend beyond the Kingdom, to seven neighboring countries in accordance with the regulations of the international program. This meeting underscores Saudi Arabia’s leadership in satellite-based search and rescue efforts, and its ongoing commitment to advancing collaboration in this critical field.

General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) President Abdulaziz Al-Duailej inaugurated today in Riyadh the fourth meeting of the Middle East Regional Aviation Security and Facilitation Group (MID-RASFG/4) aimed at strengthening regional cooperation and exchanging expertise in aviation security and travel facilitation. Speaking at the opening of the two-day meeting, co-hosted by GACA and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Middle East Regional Office, Al-Duailej emphasized Saudi Arabia's commitment to implementing ICAO international standards and highlighted the Kingdom's significant achievements in this area. These accomplishments include the introduction of the highly secure Saudi electronic passport, participation in the Public Key Directory, and the use of advanced technologies like big data and artificial intelligence to enhance inspection and monitoring operations. Al-Duailej highlighted the Kingdom's commitment to aviation security, as demonstrated by its 94.4% compliance rate in the ICAO aviation safety audit report, 100% compliance with Annex 9 to the Chicago Convention standards, and a seventh-place ranking among G20 countries in aviation security. Saudi Arabia presented a unified air travel requirements initiative aimed at creating a standardized global health framework for aviation in an effort to facilitate travel, unify health information protocols, and protect traveler health and safety. The meeting will address key topics such as following up on recommendations and decisions from the previous meeting (MID-RASFG/3), developing regional and global aviation security capabilities, discussing aviation security policy and counter-terrorism measures, improving airport security procedures through advanced technology, examining the impact of aviation-related legislation on public security, and reviewing Saudi Arabia's experience in quality control and compliance with international security standards.