President of Civil Aviation Congratulates Leadership on 87th National Day

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Riyadh, 22September 2017
President of GACA congratulates the custodian of the two holy mosques king Salman bin abdulaziz, and crown prince Mohammed bin Salman on the 84th national day of the Kingdome.
Mr. AL- Tamimi said this occasion reminds us of the heroic achievements led by king Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman AL Saud - God rest his soul – when he united this country as “Kingdome of Saudi Arabia “on 23 of September 1932. This was the result of great sacrifices, and King Abdulaziz was one of the bravest men in Arabian history.
He also indicated that the announcements of the Kingdome of Saudi Arabia were welcomed and respected regionally and globally, in addition to the world’s states recognition which came as a result of the wise policy of our country. The Kingdome acquired membership of many global and regional organizations, joined and signed agreements, in addition of being one of the first states to sign on the United Nation charter in 1945, and Chicago convention on civil aviation in 1962. Saudi also contributed on the establishment of many international and Arab organizations, such as League of Arab States in 1945.
 
His Excellency added that King Abdulaziz established civil aviation in the Kingdome and started the first steps of civil aviation's foundation after the first civil plane (model DC-3, Dakota) landed in 1945. The king also realized the importance of this industry and its role in the development of the country, so he established the first civil aviation fleet in Saudi Arabia, airports and runways, bought planes, issued aviation regulations, and never neglected training on aviation in the Kingdome. His sons continued his journey, where the Kingdome is witnessed unprecedented development in different field. In king Salman's era the achievements increased and there was a great interest in the civil aviation sector which we see it through the decisions that reflect the government's concerns of civil aviation to keep up with the regional and global industry. These decisions allowed GACA to implement its strategic plan, and responsibilities. National Transformation program 2020 targeted air transport in the Kingdome.  To have an effective role, develop airports infrastructure, expand airports, and increase the private sector participation to provide the best services in the airports. In addition to provide more logistics services due to the important strategic location of the Kingdome and its airports, which will strength trade volume through the Kingdome entry points, and GACA will build a logistic platform that link the three continents.
 
His Excellency pointed out to the separation of the legislative, and operational sides of GACA, which was approved by royal decree (17049) in 11/4/1438 H. So GACA is increasing its role as a legislator and organizer of air transport industry and cooperate with all operators and workers in this sector. He also stressed on the airports developments to keep up with 2030 vision, and the great concern in King Abdulaziz international airport project, as its first phase is being implemented after the infrastructure was completed. In addition to the transformation of Taif Airport to an international one which will serve pilgrims, the opening of Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz international airport in Medina, with a capacity of 8 Million annually in its first phase. GACA is working on improving other airports until 2020, such as Arar airport project, Abha Airport, and other projects with the private sector. Many development projects such as Taif new airport, Prince Naïf airport in AlQassiem, Prince Abdulmohsen bin Abdulaziz in Yanbu and Hail international airport, awarded as BTO (build to order) in addition to giving the opportunity to more airlines companies to work in local and international transport and find a competitive environment in air transport sector to keep up with the increasing demand on flights. The authority launched the first flight of Flyadeal to join the other economic airlines which will increase the competition to provide best services and balance between supply and demand in air transport market.