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This news article is available only in the Arabic version.

This news article is available only in the Arabic version.

This news article is available only in the Arabic version.

This news article is available only in the Arabic version.

September 21, 2024 The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) participated on Friday in the activities of the Summit of the Future, which was organized by the United Nations. The summit aims to adopt a unified global vision for the future, with participation of UN member states, UN agencies, non-governmental organizations, civil society organizations, academic institutions, the private sector, and youth. GACA's participation included organizing a virtual session on the sidelines of the summit, titled "Youth Development in the Civil Aviation Sector," in collaboration with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA). This marks GACA's first participation in UN events, and its proposal was approved among 40 other activities out of 400 proposals submitted by various countries. The participation comes as part of the Kingdom's efforts to support and empower youth in line with Saudi Vision 2030 and to highlight GACA's role in training and qualifying young cadres to contribute to the civil aviation sector. In his speech, the GACA president, Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, said that estimates indicate that there will be a need for 284,000 new pilots in the next ten years, and there is also a demand for Maintenance professionals. In Saudi Arabia, the aviation sector is expected to create about 279,000 direct jobs by 2030, which represents an increase of approximately 300% over the current 73,000 jobs. He added: "Youth constitute more than 60% of Saudi Arabia's population, and this energy is exactly what we need to drive innovation and ensure the sector's sustainability. The Saudi Vision 2030 focuses on youth development, and aviation is one of the key sectors in which we invest heavily through education, training, and professional development. The United Nations will hold the "Summit of the Future" on September 22 and 23, with the participation of world leaders as part of the high-level week of the General Assembly. The summit aims to update and activate UN institutions to keep pace with the rapid changes and challenges of the 21st century. The summit was preceded by preparatory action days, September 20 and 21, with the aim of creating additional opportunities to engage all stakeholders.

September 20, 2024 The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) issued its August report on the performance of domestic and international airports in Saudi Arabia. Airports are assessed based on 11 operational performance standards, which align with strategic objectives to enhance services and ensure a seamless traveller experience at Kingdom airports. The report highly ranked King Khalid International Airport, Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah, Abha International Airport, Al-Ahsa International Airport, and Gurayat Airport. GACA categorizes airports for performance evaluation based on annual passenger numbers, ensuring a transparent approach. King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh secured the top spot in the category of airports with more than 15 million passengers annually, with an 82% compliance rate. Following closely behind was King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah at 82%. Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport tied for first place in the category of international airports serving 5 to 15 million passengers annually, with a 91% compliance rate. King Fahad International Airport followed with an 82% compliance rate. In the 2 to 5 million annual passenger category, Abha International Airport and King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Airport in Jizan demonstrated a 100% compliance rate. However, Abha International Airport outperformed King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Airport by surpassing higher targets in the specified evaluation criteria. In the category of less than 2 million passengers annually, Al-Ahsa International Airport achieved a 100% compliance rate, outperforming its competitors regarding average waiting time for departing and arriving flights. Gurayat Airport came first in the domestic airport category, with a 100% compliance rate. It outperformed all competing airports regarding average waiting time for departing and arriving flights. GACA evaluates airport performance through operational performance standards focused on critical passenger touchpoints. These include check-in, security, passport control, customs, baggage claim, and assistance for passengers with reduced mobility (PRM). These metrics ensure a seamless and efficient travel experience for all passengers and are aligned with international best practices. In support of its airport partners, GACA prepared a booklet containing guidelines on how to deal with traveler complaints. The booklet, which has been circulated among airport operators, sets out service agreements and the rules that must be adhered to for all types of complaints and inquiries. Through regularly held workshops, the authority trains employees of national airlines and ground service companies that deal directly with travelers on how to comply with passenger protection regulations.