Saudi Arabia's National Aviation Strategy Aims To Strengthen Tourism And Economic Growth

Saudi Arabia's national aviation strategy is crafted to boost the sector's capabilities, aligning with global trends to support tourism and economic growth. Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), shared these insights at the Aerospace Connect Forum in Jeddah. The strategy aims to expand airlines, enhance maintenance facilities, increase fleet capacity, and strengthen infrastructure.

The national strategy aligns with Vision 2030, aiming to position Saudi Arabia as a global aviation hub. To support this vision, GACA has launched initiatives to develop aviation manufacturing and supply chains. A key project is the Maintenance and Repair Village (MRO) in Jeddah, inaugurated in December 2023. This facility spans one million square meters and includes a modern jet propulsion center.

The MRO facility enhances Saudi Aerospace Engineering's ability to service engines for new-generation aircraft used by regional airlines. This development is crucial for maintaining competitiveness in the aviation sector. Additionally, President Al-Duailej highlighted the establishment of Integrated Special Logistics Zones in October 2022.

The logistics zones offer competitive incentives like a 50-year income tax exemption. Apple is a key investor in these zones, which also feature a unified center for approving light manufacturing and repair operations. These initiatives aim to attract trade distribution companies to Saudi Arabia.

President Al-Duailej emphasized the importance of developing local aviation expertise. GACA’s human capital development strategy predicts that by 2030, the sector will need 274,000 direct jobs—up from the current 104,000 jobs. This represents a significant increase in employment opportunities within the industry.

Commitment to Sustainable Growth

GACA remains committed to building a robust and sustainable aviation industry. President Al-Duailej reaffirmed this commitment by ensuring that Saudi Arabia stays at the forefront of global aviation development. The focus on human capital and infrastructure is central to achieving this goal.

These efforts are part of broader plans to enhance Saudi Arabia's position as an aviation leader worldwide. By investing in infrastructure and human resources, GACA aims to meet future demands while supporting national economic objectives.

With inputs from SPA