GACA President Abdulaziz Al-Duailej Addresses Global Aviation Challenges At Singapore Aviation Week

Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) and Executive Council President of the Arab Civil Aviation Organization (ACAO), participated in Singapore's High-Level Aviation Week. This event, held from July 13 to 18 by Singapore's Ministry of Transport, gathered transport ministers, senior officials, and industry leaders to discuss current and future challenges in global transport.

During the event, Al-Duailej addressed significant challenges facing the aviation industry worldwide. He highlighted the rapid increase in travel demand as a major issue. According to Airports Council International (ACI), global passenger numbers are projected to reach 12 billion by 2030. This surge will strain infrastructure, supply chains, regulatory frameworks, human capital, and sustainability efforts.

Al-Duailej also discussed regional challenges in the Middle East, such as airspace closures. These challenges present opportunities to improve operational efficiency and expand workforce training. Innovative solutions are needed to ensure safety and smooth air traffic flow. Saudi Arabia has rerouted about 41,000 flights recently, showcasing regional agility and commitment to maintaining operations.

The Middle East Green Initiative was highlighted by Al-Duailej as a model for collaborative environmental action in the region. He outlined several initiatives under GACA’s Civil Aviation Environmental Sustainability Program that support climate goals nationally and internationally. These include carbon-neutral airports like Red Sea International Airport providing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to all airlines operating there.

The program also aims to plant one million trees across airport sites by 2030. Comprehensive waste sorting and recycling programs at major airports are part of this initiative. Strategic partnerships with global organizations promote best practices in environmental management.

Al-Duailej attended a memorandum of understanding signing between Jeddah Airports Company and Changi Airport Group during the event. This agreement focuses on strengthening cooperation in strategic areas such as enhancing passenger experience, improving operational efficiency, raising safety standards, expanding air connectivity, and sharing expertise in airport technologies and automation.

The High-Level Aviation Week provided a platform for exchanging insights on evolving global transport landscapes. It facilitated discussions on overcoming challenges while seizing opportunities for growth and innovation within the aviation sector.

With inputs from SPA