GACA Wraps up Participation in 35th General Assembly of the African Civil Aviation Commission in Brazzaville, Congo

November 30, 2024

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) concluded its participation yesterday in the 35th General Assembly of the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC), held in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo.

The assembly, which took place from November 26 to 29, was opened by Prime Minister of the Republic of Congo Anatole Collinet Makosso and attended by AFCAC Chairman Silas Udahemuka, AFCAC Secretary General Adefunke Adeyemi, and heads of civil aviation authorities from the commission's member states, along with representatives of the African Union.

During the main session, Executive Vice President for Air Transport and International Cooperation at GACA Ali Rajab presented the achievements of the national aviation sector strategy and the authority's role in positioning the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as a global logistics hub connecting countries around the world. Rajab also highlighted future investment opportunities for the Kingdom in the global aviation sector.

He emphasized that the Kingdom is investing $100 billion, with the goal of transporting 330 million passengers and 4.5 million tons of cargo by air, and operating 250 international destinations by 2030.

Rajab also discussed Saudi Arabia’s environmental sustainability program for civil aviation (CAESP), which aims to promote sustainable aviation practices. He noted that the program underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, combating climate change, and lowering the carbon footprint of civil aviation activities.

Rajab reviewed the Kingdom's support for international initiatives and organizations, such as the “No Country Left Behind” campaign launched by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), as well as its contributions to supporting global aviation compliance with international standards, particularly in safety, air navigation efficiency, security, and environmental preservation.

He affirmed that the Kingdom will continue to significantly support these plans and collaborate with AFCAC, member states, and all international partners to develop a safe, sustainable, efficient, and environmentally friendly civil aviation industry in African countries.