Saudi Arabia Signs 16 Agreements in Air Transport Services at Future Aviation Forum

May 24, 2024

The Future Aviation Forum 2024, organized by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) and held May 20 to 22 under the slogan “Elevating Global Connectivity,” concluded Wednesday in Riyadh. The third annual forum marked a significant milestone with the signing of 102 agreements, memoranda of understanding (MOUs), and deals, including 16 agreements, MOUs, and records of discussions for the Kingdom. All of these are set to have a profound impact on the global aviation sector.

 GACA President Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej expressed his appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and HRH the Crown Prince for the unwavering support enjoyed by the civil aviation sector. He said this year’s conference, which was opened by the minister of transport and logistics and chairman of the board of directors of GACA, Engineer Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, witnessed remarkable high-level participation. More than 8,500 experts and leaders of the global aviation sector, including 31 ministers and 77 leaders of civil aviation authorities from 130 countries, gathered to discuss and shape the future of aviation.

 As part of the conference activities, Eng. Al-Jasser signed cooperation agreements and records of discussions within several agreements concluded by the Kingdom in air-transport services with Mozambique, Kiribati, the Kingdom of Eswatini, and Cambodia. These agreements aim to develop the air-transport system and enhance the Kingdom’s position as a global logistics center, aligning with the fundamental pillar of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.

 The GACA president signed MOUs with Brunei Darussalam, Grenada, Malawi, Lithuania, El Salvador, Uzbekistan, and Romania in the field of air-transport services to strengthen cooperation and embody the strategic partnership in the field of developing the future and methods of modern aviation transport in the sector according to the regulations, laws and instructions in force in the countries. He signed a memorandum of cooperation with the Latin American Civil Aviation Commission (LACAC), aiming to develop cooperation between the two parties in the field of civil aviation.

 He also signed MOUs with several governments to enhance areas of cooperation. The deal with the “Elm” company is to promote innovation by employing the latest technologies and artificial intelligence and develop human capital to improve operational processes. The agreement with the General Authority for Survey and Geospatial Information is to enhance the use of geospatial information in advanced airspace applications. The MoU with the Environment Fund is to cooperate in raising environmental awareness, promote environmentally friendly practices, and support research and innovation to achieve ecological sustainability.

 In the field of enabling international companies to invest in the Kingdom’s aviation sector, the GACA president handed over the economic license to the Saudi “Jet Gourmet” company to provide on-board catering services at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. It was the second economic license for aircraft catering services to be granted after GACA announced the economic regulations for ground handling services and air freight services aimed at achieving a competitive environment and attracting investments. The authority also signed an MoU with Chinese company COMAC to explore the opportunities available to localize the aviation industry and develop the local supply chain.

 GACA signed cooperation agreements with several parties. Air Transport and International Cooperation executive vice president Ali bin Mohammed Rajab signed a cooperation agreement in the field of air transport services between the government of Saudi Arabia and the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, represented by Ambassador Extraordinary Nasina Mahongo, to prepare regulatory frameworks for air transport movement between the two countries in a safe, orderly, and sound manner under the principles established by the Chicago International Convention of 1944. Authority for Aviation Security Vice President Mohammed bin Saad Al-Fawzan signed an implementation contract with Elm company for air transit cargo services through the “Washaj” electronic platform for air freight to automate all processes related to transit shipments.

 In the field of protecting the ecosystem, GACA Aviation Safety and Environmental Sustainability Executive Vice President Captain Sulaiman bin Saleh Al Muhaimedi signed an MoU with the National Center for Vegetation Development and Combating Desertification aimed at enhancing cooperation between the two sides to adopt environmental sustainability practices and contribute to the development, implementation, and operation of several projects and programs that serve the environment. Al Muhaimedi signed an MoU with the Regional Voluntary Carbon Market Company aimed at achieving the Kingdom’s aspirations in the field of climate change, and he signed an MoU with the National Center for Waste Management to enhance cooperation between the two parties in a way that serves development in the Kingdom. Moreover, GACA Vice President of Shared Services Mohammed Abdulaziz Al-Hamad signed the business intelligence service agreement with the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which aims to contribute to developing data at the Authority regarding air transport.

 In conjunction with the conference, Riyadh also hosted the Airports Council International (ACI) Asia-Pacific & Middle East / ACI World Annual General Assembly, Conference and Exhibition (WAGA 2024), organized by Riyadh Airports Company. The event was attended by UN International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Council President Salvatore Sciacchitano, and aviation sector leaders and CEOs.