News

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), represented by the Aviation Safety and Environmental Sustainability Sector, participated in a workshop on operational safety at the Kingdom’s airports, titled “Knowledge Transfer”, which was held over four days at the headquarters of Matarat Holding Company, with the participation of more than 22 entities from various sectors and companies operating in Saudi airports. The workshop aimed to bring together airport operators to discuss daily operational safety topics and future operational initiatives in accordance with GACA’s aviation safety regulations and international best practices. It also focused on improving operations by enhancing various aspects of the operational ecosystem at airports and applying the highest standards of operational safety, which reflects in providing high-quality services to passengers. GACA’s participation comes as part of its programs and initiatives aimed at improving the quality of services provided to passengers at the Kingdom’s airports and developing a proposed vision to enhance operational safety standards and services by leveraging technological tools to streamline procedures, reduce processing times, and align with the highest global standards in support of the National Aviation Sector Strategy, which aims to offer world-class services that rival those of the world’s top airports. At the conclusion of the workshop, several outcomes were reached, including: emphasizing collaboration and integration between airports and other operational sectors, enhancing the use of technology to improve air traffic flow and operational processes, and advancing customer experience initiatives across Saudi airports.

General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) President Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, who also is the Arab Civil Aviation Organization executive council president, has called on civil aviation authorities worldwide to work together to usher in a new era of aviation for the world. During his opening speech at the UN International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Advanced Air Mobility Symposium -- held in Montreal, Canada from September 9 to 12 -- Al-Duailej urged collaborative efforts to exchange knowledge in the sector. He also underscored the importance of addressing relevant challenges and building partnerships to ensure the success of advanced air mobility technologies globally. ICAO Council President Salvatore Sciacchitano, representatives from ICAO member states, and global aviation leaders attended the event. At the ICAO symposium, Saudi Arabia was chosen to deliver the opening speech to aviation leaders from over 75 countries due to its pioneering role in international civil aviation, particularly advanced aviation. The selection also solidifies the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s global leadership in the aviation industry, with the nation serving as a gateway to the world and a global hub for trade and tourism, given its strategic location connecting Asia, Africa, and Europe. During the forum, the Kingdom highlighted its Advanced Air Mobility roadmap launched in 2024, aligning with the national aviation strategy. The roadmap signifies a comprehensive change based on seven key pillars: adopting technological solutions, developing infrastructure, achieving comprehensive governance, building trust, attracting investments, setting regulations and systems, and empowering human capital. Additionally, the Kingdom shed light on its hosting last May of the third edition of the Future Aviation Forum 2024 under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. That edition of the forum witnessed exceptional successes, including the participation of seven advanced air transport aircraft in the accompanying exhibition, making it the largest gathering of such aircraft types in the world. Furthermore, the Kingdom highlighted its experience in conducting air taxi operations during the previous Hajj season in June through GACA as an example of the role that advanced air mobility can play in various aspects of life. The Kingdom underscored the need for expanding the scope of this technology to enable and assist the millions of pilgrims who visit the holy sites annually. It emphasized unveiling future plans to establish capabilities center by 2028 that focuses on training local talents and attracting top minds and competent individuals globally. During the symposium, the ICAO granted the Global Advanced Air Mobility Academic Paper Competition award to students from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST). The accolade underscores the Kingdom's potential in advanced air mobility, successfully integrating and empowering it in line with the Kingdom's ambitious goal to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2060. This potential also reinforces Saudi Arabia’s commitment to advanced research and complements its investments in Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) aircraft.

September 12, 2024 General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) President Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, along with a delegation of officials from GACA, the Ministry of Investment, the Public Investment Fund (PIF), the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, and representatives from local private-sector companies like NEOM and Saudia Aerospace Engineering Industries (SAEI), toured a BETA Technologies Company's factory in South Burlington, Vermont. BETA Technologies specializes in the production of electric aircraft and vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft. During the visit, the delegation inspected the production lines for advanced air mobility technologies, the latest infrastructure technologies used by the factory, and the operation of charging stations. They also visited the company's research and development centers, where they learned about the latest technology and enabling technologies used in carbon-free manufacturing and production, as well as the engines that rely on charging cubes, which reduce operating costs and carbon emissions. These include the VTOL aircraft and the fully electric models for vertical and conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL). The GACA delegation's visit is part of Saudi Arabia's efforts to reaffirm its commitment to enabling advanced air mobility technologies and sustainable innovations as outlined in the Advanced Air Mobility Roadmap launched by GACA earlier this year. It also aims to strengthen cooperation and build partnerships with leading companies in the civil aviation sector, explore opportunities for exchanging expertise in the field of advanced air mobility, and pursue the transfer and localization of advanced aviation technologies while enhancing research, development, and innovation cooperation.

September 10, 2024 The President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) and Chairman of the Executive Council of the Arab Civil Aviation Organization, Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, stated that there is a significant transformation taking place in the civil aviation sector in Saudi Arabia. This transformation is part of the National Aviation Strategy, which aims to achieve the Kingdom's Vision 2030 goals of building a prosperous and diversified economy. Al-Duailej made these remarks during Saudi Arabia's participation at the first forum of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) on Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) in Montreal, Canada. The forum, held from September 9 to 12, 2024, was attended by the President of the International Civil Aviation Organization, Salvatore Sciacchitano, as well as representatives from member states of the "ICAO" organization and leaders of the aviation sector worldwide. He emphasized that Saudi Arabia's participation in the forum highlights its leading role in advanced and international civil aviation. Earlier in the year, GACA launched the Advanced Air Mobility Roadmap, which aligns with the National Aviation Strategy. This roadmap outlines comprehensive changes based on seven main pillars: adopting technical solutions, developing infrastructure, achieving comprehensive governance, building trust, attracting investments, setting regulations and systems, and empowering human capital. Al-Duailej also called on civil aviation authorities worldwide to collaborate, address challenges, and build partnerships to ensure the success of advanced air mobility technologies globally. As part of the forum, the ICAO presented the Advanced Air Mobility Global Academic Paper Competition award to students from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST). This acknowledgement underscores the Kingdom's capabilities in advanced air mobility and its commitment to integrating and enabling it, which aligns with its ambitious goals to achieve zero carbon emissions by 2060. The Kingdom's investments in electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOL) were also highlighted as part of its commitment to advanced research. Additionally, the GACA President held separate bilateral meetings with Salvatore Sciacchitano and the President of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Barry Butler, discussing ways to enhance international cooperation in the civil aviation sector.

September 08, 2024 Represented by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will participate in the International Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO) first Advanced Air Mobility Symposium (AAM 2024), which will be held in Montreal, Canada, from September 9 to 12, 2024, with participation from ICAO member countries and global aviation leaders. The Kingdom's delegation will be headed by President of GACA Abdulaziz Al-Duailej. At the forum, GACA will showcase the national aviation strategy, its achievements, and the Kingdom's commitment to developing the aviation sector using the latest technologies in advanced air mobility. GACA will also explore opportunities for collaboration with global partners. The authority will discuss its efforts in advanced air mobility, focusing on providing safe and sustainable transportation to achieve its goal of eliminating carbon emissions and reaching net zero by 2060. The forum will feature strategic sector programs and initiatives, including the launch of a roadmap for advanced air mobility, which has accelerated the adoption of advanced air mobility technologies in the Kingdom. This includes the development of a new generation of airports, such as the Red Sea International Airport and NEOM Airport. Several successful advanced air mobility trials will be presented, including the first successful electric VTOL flight test in NEOM in June 2023 and the issuance of the world's first flying taxi license following a successful trial during the Hajj season last June. GACA will also highlight its collaboration with ICAO, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to ensure global consistency in advanced air mobility regulations.

His Excellency the President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation, Mr. Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, accompanied by the Deputy Commander of the Air Force, Major General Pilot Rukn Talal bin Suleiman Al-Ghamdi, and the Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to the Arab Republic of Egypt, Saleh bin Eid Al-Husseini, visited yesterday the first edition of the Egypt International Air and Space Exhibition 2024, held from September 3 to 5 at El Alamein International Airport. His Excellency and the accompanying delegation toured the exhibition halls and reviewed the latest products, technologies, and services in the fields of civil and military aviation and aerospace. They also explored modern innovations and solutions in the aviation industry, visiting the booths of several participating companies, including Saudia Group, SAMI (Saudi Arabian Military Industries), the Royal Saudi Air Force, Korean Aerospace Industries, Boeing, and COMAC. They listened to presentations on advanced aviation technologies, aircraft maintenance and repair solutions, advanced training systems, and the latest defense products. During his visit to the exhibition, the GACA President met with the Egyptian Minister of Civil Aviation, Dr. Samih Ahmed Al-Hafni, to discuss issues of mutual interest, ways to enhance cooperation between the two countries in the field of civil aviation, and available investment opportunities in air transport. His Excellency also met with the CEO of Avolus, Edward Oberwyn, where they reviewed the company's strategy, objectives, and future areas of cooperation. It is noteworthy that the Egypt International Air and Space Exhibition 2024 features participation from more than 100 countries and over 300 companies and entities from the world’s leading aircraft and aerospace manufacturers. The event also hosts many experts from the aviation, aerospace, and defense industries, as well as leaders from international and regional civil aviation organizations.