Saudi Arabia Hosts 71st Session Of International Satellite Search And Rescue Programme With Global Participation

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) is currently hosting the 71st meeting of the International Satellite Search and Rescue Programme. This event, led by Henrik Smith, will run until October 24. It includes representatives from 45 countries and organisations, alongside several Saudi government agencies such as the General Directorate of Border Guard and the Royal Saudi Air Force.

By organising this meeting, Saudi Arabia highlights its significant involvement in both air transport and satellite search and rescue sectors. The Kingdom was among the first in its region to join this international programme. Discussions at the meeting will cover operational and technical reports related to space and ground sectors, as well as emergency locator devices.

The gathering will also review the secretariat general's work report for 2023 and outline plans for 2025. Additionally, it will assess the outcomes of the 38th meeting of the joint committee (JC-38) to make decisions on its recommendations. This collaborative effort underscores the importance of international cooperation in enhancing search and rescue operations globally.

GACA will highlight the Saudi Search and Rescue Center during this event. Operated by the Saudi Air Navigation Services Company, it is one of the pioneering centres in the region. The centre functions through COSPAS-SARSAT's satellite system, providing distress signal notifications to various government bodies involved in search and rescue missions.

The services offered by the Saudi Search and Rescue Center extend beyond national borders, reaching seven neighbouring countries. This is done in compliance with international programme regulations, showcasing regional cooperation in emergency response efforts.

The meeting serves as a platform for discussing key topics such as space sector advancements and emergency response technologies. By hosting this event, Saudi Arabia reaffirms its commitment to improving global search and rescue capabilities through active participation in international initiatives.

This initiative not only strengthens Saudi Arabia's role in global aviation but also enhances its collaboration with international partners. The discussions held during this meeting are expected to contribute significantly to future advancements in satellite-based search and rescue operations worldwide.

With inputs from SPA