GACA Grants FedEx License To Operate As Foreign Air Carrier For Enhanced Cargo Transport In Saudi Arabia

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has granted FedEx an economic license to operate as a foreign air carrier in Saudi Arabia. This license permits FedEx to conduct scheduled air cargo transport activities, adhering to both local and international regulations. The announcement coincided with the opening of FedEx's main hub in Riyadh, attended by key officials including Minister of Transport Saleh Al-Jasser and GACA President Abdulaziz Al-Duailej.

FedEx plans to establish Riyadh as its regional hub, connecting the Americas, Europe, and Asia through King Khalid International Airport. This strategic move will position Saudi Arabia as a global logistics platform for FedEx operations in the region. The company intends to operate 24 cargo flights monthly from Riyadh, enhancing the Kingdom's role in air cargo.

The granting of this license aligns with the objectives of the Aviation Program, part of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy. It aims to advance Saudi Vision 2030 goals within the transport and logistics sector. By strengthening its air cargo capabilities, Saudi Arabia seeks to become a leading global logistics hub.

FedEx will commence direct flights to and from Riyadh soon. Following this, transit-based air and ground transport operations will expand to other GCC countries and beyond. This expansion is expected to facilitate cross-border trade and support national efforts towards achieving Vision 2030 objectives.

The Aviation Program aims to make Saudi Arabia's aviation sector the leader in the Middle East by 2030. It targets handling 330 million passengers, increasing air cargo capacity to 4.5 million tons, and enhancing connectivity with 250 destinations worldwide from Saudi airports.

This development represents a significant step towards supporting these ambitious goals. By integrating FedEx's operations into its logistics framework, Saudi Arabia is poised to enhance its position in global trade networks.

With inputs from SPA