GACA Issues Air Operator Certificate To Riyadh Air, Authorising Scheduled Flights Across The Kingdom

Riyadh Air has received its Air Operator Certificate (AOC), allowing it to begin scheduled flights within Saudi Arabia. The certificate was handed over by Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), to Riyadh Air's CEO, Tony Douglas. This event was attended by Eng. Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, Minister of Transport and Logistic Services.

The issuance of the AOC signifies Riyadh Air's compliance with all necessary regulatory and operational standards. These include safety, security, and quality benchmarks as outlined in the Civil Aviation Law. This achievement underscores GACA's dedication to maintaining high regulatory standards in aviation.

Minister Al-Jasser highlighted that granting the AOC to Riyadh Air is crucial for Saudi Arabia's aviation strategy. The strategy aims to establish the country as a leading aviation hub in the Middle East by 2030. It also seeks to transform Saudi Arabia into a global logistics centre connecting three continents.

Riyadh Air has ambitious plans for expansion, aiming to serve over 100 international destinations by 2030. The airline has already placed orders for more than 132 aircraft. This growth is expected to create over 200,000 jobs in the aviation sector, both directly and indirectly.

The updated AOC not only enhances passenger experience but also supports GACA's broader goals. These include fostering a favourable investment climate and promoting sustainable growth in aviation. Such efforts align with the National Aviation Strategy and Saudi Vision 2030.

Economic Contributions

The airline's expansion is projected to contribute significantly to Saudi Arabia’s economy. It is estimated that Riyadh Air will add SAR75 billion to the Kingdom's non-oil GDP. This aligns with broader economic diversification goals under Vision 2030.

This development marks a significant milestone for Riyadh Air and the Kingdom's aviation sector. By focusing on safety, quality, and strategic growth, Saudi Arabia aims to enhance its position as a central hub for transportation, trade, and tourism.

With inputs from SPA