Saudi Arabia Signs 16 Agreements In Air Transport Services At Future Aviation Forum

The Future Aviation Forum 2024, organized by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), concluded in Riyadh on May 22. The forum, held under the slogan "Elevating Global Connectivity," saw the signing of 102 agreements, memoranda of understanding (MOUs), and deals, including 16 agreements and MOUs for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. These agreements are expected to have a significant impact on the global aviation sector.GACA President Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej expressed his gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and HRH the Crown Prince for their unwavering support of the civil aviation sector. The conference, which was opened by Engineer Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, the minister of transport and logistics and chairman of the board of directors of GACA, witnessed high-level participation from more than 8,500 experts and leaders in the global aviation sector. This included 31 ministers and 77 leaders of civil aviation authorities from 130 countries.During the conference, Eng. Al-Jasser signed cooperation agreements and records of discussions with Mozambique, Kiribati, the Kingdom of Eswatini, and Cambodia. These agreements aim to develop the air-transport system and enhance the Kingdom's position as a global logistics center, aligning with the goals of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030.GACA also signed MOUs with Brunei Darussalam, Grenada, Malawi, Lithuania, El Salvador, Uzbekistan, and Romania in the field of air-transport services. These MOUs aim to strengthen cooperation and embody strategic partnerships in developing future methods of modern aviation transport according to the regulations, laws, and instructions in force in each country.Furthermore, GACA signed a memorandum of cooperation with the Latin American Civil Aviation Commission (LACAC) to develop cooperation in the field of civil aviation. Several other MOUs were signed with various governments to enhance areas of cooperation.In terms of innovation and technology, GACA signed an agreement with the "Elm" company to promote the use of the latest technologies and artificial intelligence in the aviation sector. The aim is to improve operational processes and develop human capital.GACA also signed an agreement with the General Authority for Survey and Geospatial Information to enhance the use of geospatial information in advanced airspace applications. This will contribute to the overall development of the aviation industry.In line with its commitment to environmental sustainability, GACA signed an MOU with the Environment Fund to cooperate in raising environmental awareness, promoting environmentally friendly practices, and supporting research and innovation for ecological sustainability.To attract international investment in the Kingdom's aviation sector, GACA granted an economic license to the Saudi company "Jet Gourmet" to provide on-board catering services at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. This is the second economic license for aircraft catering services granted by GACA, following the announcement of economic regulations for ground handling services and air freight services.GACA also signed an MOU with Chinese company COMAC to explore opportunities for localizing the aviation industry and developing the local supply chain.In addition to these agreements, GACA signed cooperation agreements with several parties in various fields. These agreements aim to enhance cooperation and improve air transport services between Saudi Arabia and other countries.The Future Aviation Forum 2024 was held alongside the Airports Council International (ACI) Asia-Pacific & Middle East / ACI World Annual General Assembly, Conference, and Exhibition (WAGA 2024), organized by Riyadh Airports Company. The event was attended by UN International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Council President Salvatore Sciacchitano, as well as aviation sector leaders and CEOs.The Future Aviation Forum 2024 has paved the way for significant advancements in the global aviation sector. With the signing of numerous agreements and MOUs, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a key player in the industry. The cooperation and partnerships established during the forum will contribute to the development of the air-transport system, technological innovation, environmental sustainability, and international investment in the Kingdom's aviation sector.

With inputs from SPA