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Leading carrier and best low-cost airline in the Middle East flynas has signed a landmark agreement with Airbus for the purchase of 160 new aircraft. The order comprises 30 wide-body A330neo airplanes and 130 narrow body A320-family airplanes. It more than doubles flynas’ total ordered aircraft to 280 over seven years after a 2016 deal to purchase 120 airplanes. The move aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, aimed at transforming the aviation sector and supporting flynas’ ambitious expansion under the slogan “We connect the world to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.” This deal cements flynas’ status as one of the top four low-cost airlines worldwide. The agreement was signed at Farnborough Airshow in London, attended by General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) President Abdulaziz Al-Duailej and flynas chairman Ayed Aljeaid. The signing ceremony also featured flynas chief executive and managing director Bander Almohanna, chief executive of commercial aircraft Christian Scherer, and executive vice president of commercial transactions Paul Meijers. “I congratulate flynas on this significant agreement, which reflects the rapid development and transformation of Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector under Vision 2030,” Al-Duailej said, celebrating the milestone. “The growth and expansion of flynas are truly remarkable.” He described the deal as pivotal for achieving the National Civil Aviation Strategy’s goal to connect the Kingdom with over 250 international destinations and increase passenger traffic to 330 million annually by 2030. Almohanna highlighted the strategic importance of the deal, stating that it reinforces the determination to establish flynas as a leading global low-cost carrier. “By doubling our order volume to 280 Airbus aircraft, we ensure sustainable growth across our network of regional and international routes, spanning short, medium, and long-haul flights,” he said. Notably, this is the carrier’s first order for Airbus' wide-body A330neo, with deliveries starting in 2027, Almohanna noted. He said that the new purchase will enable the carrier to explore new long-haul markets, offer more seat capacity, with diverse and innovative products to the passengers. Almohanna further noted that doubling the volume of flynas’ fleet orders supports the National Civil Aviation Strategy’s objectives, including increasing international connectivity to Saudi Arabia. Additionally, it reinforces the objectives of the Pilgrim Experience Program and the National Tourism Strategy and creates numerous direct and indirect job opportunities. Almohanna underscored flynas’ commitment to medium- and long-term growth, aiming to expand the fleet operation size to over 160 aircraft by 2030 from 61 aircraft currently. The existing fleet consists of 53 A320neo aircraft, four A320ceo aircraft, and four A330ceo aircraft. Meanwhile, Scherer expressed delight to expand Airbus’ partnership with flynas through this significant deal for both A320neo and A330-900 aircraft. “The A330neo will allow flynas to further grow into widebody markets by building on the A320, benefiting from Airbus’ unique commonality,” Scherer emphasized. “Both aircraft types offer flynas the perfect versatility and economics to expand into new markets while offering their passengers the latest cabin experience and comfort. He added that Airbus looks forward to continuing its successful collaboration with flynas as it embarks on an exciting new chapter. Last year at the 2023 Paris Air Show, flynas signed an agreement with Airbus for 30 additional A320neo aircraft as part of fleet expansion from the previous order for 120 aircraft, which was signed in 2016. Currently, flynas operates over 70 domestic and international routes with more than 1,500 weekly flights and has served over 78 million passengers since its launch in 2007.

the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) held a roundtable meeting of the Saudi-British Business Council in London to explore investment and cooperation opportunities in the civil aviation sector. The meeting was chaired by His Excellency Mr. Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, President of GACA, and attended by Dr. Rania Leontaridi, Director General of Aviation, Maritime, and Security at the UK Department for Transport, Ms. Jenny Gubbins, Chair of the UK side of the Council, and a delegation of Saudi-British Business Council members, vice presidents, CEOs, officials, and aviation experts.  The meeting discussed ways to strengthen investment ties and boost economic collaboration between Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom. It also addressed private sector engagement and strategic investment opportunities across both countries. In his opening remarks, GACA President Mr. Al-Duailej highlighted the National Aviation Strategy and the strong bilateral relationship between the two nations. He noted that total Saudi exports to the UK reached SAR 1.36 billion by Q1 2024, with an annual growth rate of 5.82 percent between 2018 and 2023. He also mentioned that in 2023, passenger traffic between the two countries neared one million, reflecting a 50 percent increase from the previous year.  His Excellency emphasized Saudi Arabia's strategic location linking three continents and its commitment to supporting global aviation through infrastructure development and investment. He highlighted GACA’s efforts to adopt innovations such as Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), smart air traffic management systems, and the integration of AI and digital technologies to improve operations and the passenger experience. The meeting featured a presentation on the National Aviation Strategy, including progress in connecting to 250 destinations, digital transformation, the AAM roadmap, and the Environmental Sustainability Program. The presentation also included an overview of the Saudi airport sector, investment mechanisms, business opportunities, and key enablers and incentives. Saudi Air Navigation Services (SANS) signed a framework agreement with the UK’s NATS to enhance airport capacity. On the sidelines of the meeting, Mr. Al-Duailej met with Dr. Rania Leontaridi to discuss joint cooperation. He also met with Mr. Martin Rolfe, CEO of NATS, and Mr. Mark Burns, CEO of Gulfstream, alongside Saudi aviation sector representatives to review developments in the aviation industry and opportunities for enhancing general aviation in the Kingdom.

The President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, visited on Tuesday the Farnborough International Airshow, accompanied by the vice-presidents and CEOs of companies operating in the civil aviation sector in the Kingdom. The President of GACA and the accompanying delegation toured the exhibition’s pavilions and discovered the aviation industry’s modern technologies, innovations, and solutions, including advanced air mobility, space, and environmental sustainability. GACA signed a memorandum of cooperation (MoC) with Lilium, the leading German company in the manufacture of electric aircraft and the field of regional air transport, to develop and implement the regulatory framework necessary to introduce vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft into the Kingdom beginning from 2026. During the visit, Al-Duailej met with the CEOs of Embraer, a Boeing company Wisk, and Lilium, where aspects of cooperation in the civil aviation industry were reviewed. The President of GACA attended the signing of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Saudi Academy of Civil Aviation (SACA), Prince Sultan University (PSU) and the British Cranfield University, which aims to develop aviation science research and exchange experiences between specialists.

July 22, 2024 The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) issued its June 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 traveler experience at Kingdom airports. The report ranked King Khalid International Airport, King Fahd International Airport, Abha International Airport, Al-Ahsa International Airport, and Qurayyat Airport highly. 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 64%. In the category of international airports serving 5 to 15 million passengers annually, King Fahd International Airport tied for first place, with a 91% compliance rate. Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport followed with a 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. Qurayyat 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.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has signed a memorandum of cooperation with Lilium, the leading German manufacturer of vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft. The agreement aims to support the development of a regulatory framework for advanced aerial mobility in Saudi Arabia. It was signed on the sidelines of GACA’s participation in the 2024 Farnborough International Airshow, held from July 22–26 at Farnborough Airport in the United Kingdom. This memorandum strengthens GACA’s collaboration with global aviation leaders to enable the adoption of advanced aerial mobility applications in the Kingdom. It aligns with the Authority’s ongoing efforts to establish clear regulations and frameworks that promote growth in this sector while ensuring the highest standards of safety, security, and passenger protection. His Excellency Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, President of GACA, stated that the agreement reflects GACA’s commitment to supporting innovative and sustainable air mobility solutions, in line with the goals of the National Aviation Strategy and Saudi Vision 2030. He added that through partnerships with leading global aircraft manufacturers, GACA seeks to develop a robust regulatory environment to ensure the safe and efficient operation of VTOL aircraft and advanced air mobility systems. Al-Duailej further emphasized that this collaboration is part of the broader aviation sector strategy and supports initiatives focused on sustainability and environmental preservation. He noted that Saudi Group recently signed a purchase agreement with Lilium for up to 100 electric aircraft—including 50 confirmed and 50 optional units—offering unprecedented connectivity solutions during Hajj and Umrah seasons. These aircraft will also enable faster access for visitors to major sporting, entertainment, and tourism events, and help connect the Kingdom’s mega projects through premium aerial services that meet future expectations. GACA has already launched a comprehensive national roadmap for advanced air mobility, in collaboration with multiple international partners. This roadmap sets the foundation for safe and efficient operations of new air mobility technologies and focuses on integrating VTOL aircraft into the existing aviation infrastructure and broader transportation ecosystem. Klaus Roewe, CEO of Lilium, stated that the agreement confirms Lilium’s commitment to contributing to the development of advanced air mobility regulations in Saudi Arabia. He added, “Our goal is to help shape both the regulatory and operational foundations needed to begin electric aviation operations for our customers in the Kingdom.” Roewe noted that the agreement provides one of the essential building blocks for launching electric flight operations successfully, outlining a clear path for the regulatory steps ahead. This partnership highlights GACA’s ambition to establish Saudi Arabia as a global leader in advanced air mobility solutions. It follows several successful aerial mobility trials, including a historic air taxi demonstration in June 2024 during Hajj season in Makkah. That trial, conducted in collaboration with the Ministries of Transport and Logistics Services, Hajj and Umrah, Interior, and the company Front End Limited, featured the EH216-S electric VTOL drone aircraft. In 2023, another successful air taxi trial was conducted in NEOM using aircraft developed by Volocopter, reinforcing the Kingdom’s commitment to safely integrating these technologies by hosting a wide range of tests and demonstrations in partnership with leading international aircraft manufacturers.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), with a delegation headed by GACA President Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, is scheduled to participate in the 2024 Farnborough International Airshow, which will be held between July 22 and 26 at Farnborough Airport in the UK. The event will feature several important aviation industry activities. The Farnborough International Airshow provides a platform for GACA to showcase the role of the civil aviation sector in the Kingdom and the progress made in achieving the objectives of the National Aviation Strategy. It also aims to build relationships and investment partnerships with the civil aviation system in the UK. The Saudi delegation will review the available investment opportunities and the significant developments led by GACA in the aviation system to enable growth and innovation in the aviation industry. During the Saudi delegation's participation in the event, GACA, in partnership with the Saudi-British Joint Business Council, is planned to organize the Saudi-British Aviation Roundtable Meeting. This event aims to exchange expertise and highlight the investment opportunities offered by the Kingdom in this vital and important sector.