Saudi Arabia Advances Global Aviation Agenda With 31 Papers Presented At ICAO Assembly

Saudi Arabia, through the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), actively participated in the 42nd General Assembly of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in Montreal, Canada. The event took place from September 23 to October 3. A high-level delegation led by Minister of Transport and Logistic Services and GACA Chairman Saleh Al-Jasser presented 31 papers on various topics.

These papers covered innovation, safety, security, sustainability, quality, and air transport. GACA President Abdulaziz Al-Duailej stated that these align with Saudi Vision 2030's aim to make the Kingdom a global logistics hub. The focus was on enhancing aviation security and addressing risks from advanced air mobility like drones and cyberattacks.

The delegation highlighted sustainability efforts, including reducing carbon emissions and investing in biofuels and clean technologies. Infrastructure development was also emphasized, advocating for airport improvements and integrating passenger experiences into ICAO's regulatory frameworks. These initiatives are part of Saudi Arabia's broader goals under its civil aviation program.

The Kingdom aims to handle 330 million passengers annually by 2030. It plans to double international travel destinations to over 250 and increase air cargo capacity to 4.5 million tons each year. These ambitious targets reflect Saudi Arabia's commitment to expanding its aviation sector significantly.

Among the key proposals were measures to facilitate humanitarian flights by addressing permit delays and inconsistent fees. This reflects ongoing efforts by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief). Additionally, developing ICAO guidance materials for accrediting Air Navigation Service Providers was proposed to enhance global safety and efficiency.

The assembly provided a platform for Saudi Arabia to showcase its dedication to improving global aviation standards. By focusing on innovation, safety, sustainability, infrastructure, and quality, the Kingdom aims to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of international civil aviation.

With inputs from SPA