GACA President: Kingdom supports global drive for innovation and sustainability in aviation sector

February 10, 2025

His Excellency Abdulaziz Al-Duailj, President of Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation, affirmed that the Kingdom is a leading supporter of the global effort to develop the civil aviation sector, to enhance its competitiveness and sustainability, and to promote new investment in aviation-related technology and innovation.

The announcement came during Mr. Al-Duailj’s participation in the ministerial session at the 4th Global Implementation Support Symposium (GISS 2025). The symposium, running from February 10-12, has been organized by the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) in partnership with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), with attendance by numerous ministers and global civil aviation leaders along with 1,500 representatives from ICAO member states.

His Excellency stated, "We have a national sector strategy focusing on enhancing innovation, sustainability, aviation resilience, and operational solutions that contribute to achieving the sustainable development goals outlined in global organizations' 2030 plan and ICAO's 'No Country Left Behind' initiative."

Mr. Al-Duailj highlighted the importance of balancing the economic and social benefits of civil aviation with environmental responsibility, stressing the need for greater investment in training programs, infrastructure, and targeted capacity-building initiatives, particularly in developing countries. He noted that digital transformation could provide expanded and cost-effective support, with virtual training, remote auditing, and AI-based analytics helping to modernize aviation systems in emerging nations without a requirement for massive investment.

His Excellency indicated that the civil aviation sector is a fundamental pillar of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 reform program, with the National Aviation Strategy 2030 serving as a comprehensive roadmap with a view to cementing the Kingdom's position as a leading global civil aviation hub.

Mr. Al-Duailj explained that aviation plays a pivotal role in economic diversification and enhancement of non-oil GDP through improved air connectivity, trade activation and promotion of tourism and investment. The Kingdom’s ambitious civil aviation projects include the upcoming King Salman International Airport in Riyadh, slated to be one of the world's largest while connecting Saudi Arabia to more than 250 global destinations, boosting annual passenger numbers to 330 million, and doubling air cargo capacity to 4.5 million tons by 2030.

GISS 2025 serves as a global platform for showcasing breakthrough solutions, tech advancements and joint ventures in the aviation sector. The symposium will allow participants to discuss key issues relating to global aviation, interact with cutting-edge initiatives, and discover the latest developments in air transport and navigation services and aviation infrastructure.