GACA Pledges $150,000 To Enhance Aviation Safety And Security In Africa

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) recently concluded its participation in the Africa-Indian Ocean Aviation Week (AFI Week 2024) conference held in Libreville, Gabon. The event focused on developing strategies to support and enhance the aviation industry across the continent.

During the opening ceremony, Ali bin Mohammed Rajab, GACA's Executive Vice President of Air Transport and International Cooperation, announced that Saudi Arabia has allocated $150,000 to the International Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO) Comprehensive Regional Implementation Plan for Aviation Safety in Africa (AFI Plan) and the Comprehensive Regional Implementation Plan for Aviation Security and Facilitation in Africa (AFI SECFAL Plan). This initiative aims to improve security and safety levels in air transport.

Rajab highlighted that this amount is part of a larger $1 million donation made by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to ICAO's No Country Left Behind (NCLB) initiative. He emphasized that Saudi Arabia is a major supporter of international organizations and a leader in backing the aviation industry. The Kingdom remains committed to contributing to the industry's growth and enhancing its performance.

On the sidelines of AFI Week 2024, Gabon's Vice President Joseph Berre met with Saudi ambassador Faraj bin Nader and GACA's Rajab in Libreville. They discussed bilateral relations, cooperation areas, and ways to enhance civil aviation between their countries.

In another meeting, Rajab conversed with Adefunke Adeyemi, Secretary-General of the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC). They explored ways to strengthen cooperation between Saudi Arabia and AFCAC in various civil aviation fields.

The conference aimed to continue developing necessary measures to support and enhance aviation on the continent. Rajab noted that Saudi Arabia is one of the largest supporters of international organizations and pioneers in supporting aviation. He stressed that the Kingdom is continuously committed to contributing to this industry's growth.

The meetings underscored Saudi Arabia's dedication to fostering international cooperation in civil aviation. These discussions are expected to lead to enhanced collaboration and development within the sector.

The event provided a platform for stakeholders from different regions to share insights and strategies for advancing aviation safety and security. The Kingdom’s financial contributions reflect its commitment to these goals.

Saudi Arabia’s participation in AFI Week 2024 highlights its ongoing efforts to support global aviation initiatives. The Kingdom’s contributions aim at improving safety standards and fostering international cooperation within the industry.

This engagement aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy of supporting global initiatives that promote safety, security, and efficiency in air transport. The Kingdom continues to play a significant role in shaping the future of global aviation through its active participation and financial support.

With inputs from SPA