Saudi Arabia Advocates For Collaborative Future In Aviation At ICAO Event

General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) President Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, who also serves as the Arab Civil Aviation Organization executive council president, has urged global civil aviation authorities to collaborate for a new era in aviation. Speaking at the UN International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Advanced Air Mobility Symposium in Montreal, Canada, from September 9 to 12, Al-Duailej emphasized the need for knowledge exchange and partnerships to advance air mobility technologies worldwide.

Saudi Arabia was selected to deliver the opening speech at the ICAO symposium, addressing aviation leaders from over 75 countries. This selection highlights Saudi Arabia's pioneering role in international civil aviation and its strategic position as a global hub connecting Asia, Africa, and Europe. The Kingdom's leadership in the aviation industry is further solidified by this recognition.

The Kingdom presented its Advanced Air Mobility roadmap launched in 2024 during the forum. This roadmap aligns with the national aviation strategy and is based on seven key pillars: adopting technological solutions, developing infrastructure, achieving comprehensive governance, building trust, attracting investments, setting regulations and systems, and empowering human capital.

In May, Saudi Arabia hosted the third edition of the Future Aviation Forum 2024 under King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud's patronage. This event saw exceptional successes, including seven advanced air transport aircraft participating in the exhibition. It marked the largest gathering of such aircraft types globally.

The Kingdom also highlighted its experience with air taxi operations during the Hajj season in June through GACA. This example showcased how advanced air mobility can assist millions of pilgrims visiting holy sites annually. The Kingdom plans to establish a capabilities center by 2028 to train local talents and attract top minds globally.

Recognition and Awards

During the symposium, ICAO awarded students from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) the Global Advanced Air Mobility Academic Paper Competition award. This accolade underscores Saudi Arabia's potential in advanced air mobility and aligns with its ambitious goal to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2060.

This recognition complements Saudi Arabia’s investments in Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) aircraft and reinforces its commitment to advanced research. The Kingdom continues to integrate and empower advanced air mobility technologies within its broader environmental goals.

ICAO Council President Salvatore Sciacchitano, representatives from ICAO member states, and global aviation leaders attended the event. Al-Duailej stressed that addressing relevant challenges is crucial for ensuring success in advanced air mobility technologies globally.

The symposium provided a platform for discussing future plans and sharing experiences among global aviation leaders. The collaborative efforts highlighted during this event are expected to drive significant advancements in the sector.

The Kingdom's strategic initiatives reflect its dedication to becoming a leader in advanced air mobility while supporting sustainable development goals. These efforts are part of a broader vision to enhance global connectivity through innovative aviation solutions.

With inputs from SPA