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24 February 2025

GACA President: Strategy Focused on Strengthening Aviation Sector to Support Tourism and Economic Growth

President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej emphasized that Saudi Arabia's national aviation strategy is designed to enhance the sector's capabilities, aligning with global trends to meet the demands of national tourism and economic development.  Speaking at the Aerospace Connect Forum in Jeddah, President Al-Duailej highlighted that the national strategy aims to expand the number of airlines, establish advanced maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) centers, increase aircraft fleet capacity, and strengthen human capital and infrastructure to drive sector growth. These objectives align with Vision 2030, which seeks to position Saudi Arabia as a global aviation hub.  He underscored that to support this vision, GACA has launched key initiatives to develop the aviation manufacturing sector and supply chains. One of the most significant projects is the Maintenance and Repair Village (MRO) in Jeddah, inaugurated in December 2023, covering an area of one million square meters. The facility includes a state-of-the-art jet propulsion center, enhancing Saudi Aerospace Engineering's capabilities in servicing new-generation wide- and narrow-body aircraft engines for regional airlines.  Another major initiative, according to President Al-Duailej, is the establishment of Integrated Special Logistics Zones, introduced in October 2022, which provide competitive incentives, including a 50-year income tax exemption. These zones, launched with Apple as a key investor, also feature a unified center for approving light manufacturing and repair operations, as well as trade distribution companies.  President Al-Duailej stressed the importance of continuing to develop local aviation expertise, noting that GACA’s human capital development strategy estimates that Saudi Arabia's aviation sector will require 274,000 direct jobs by 2030—a 2.6-fold increase from the current 104,000 jobs. He reaffirmed the commitment to building a strong and sustainable aviation industry, ensuring the Kingdom remains at the forefront of global aviation development.

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23 February 2025

SCDDR Meeting Kicks Off Monday in Jeddah to Discuss Satellite-Based Search and Rescue Trends

Saudi Arabia, represented by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), will host the South Central Data Distribution Region (SCDDR) meeting and an accompanying training workshop from Monday to Thursday, February 24–27, in Jeddah. The SCDDR is part of the International Cospas-Sarsat Programme, a satellite-aided search and rescue initiative. The meeting will be chaired by the Spanish center, which oversees the SCDDR, and will include representatives from various mission control centers (MCCs) within the region in Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Algeria, Nigeria, and Togo, along with representatives from the Cospas-Sarsat program. This hosting reflects Saudi Arabia’s active role in the aviation sector and in the field of satellite-based search and rescue, as the Kingdom is a key player at local, regional, and international levels. Saudi Arabia was one of the first countries in the region to join the Cospas-Sarsat Programme as a provider of ground segments. During the meeting, participants will discuss reports on the performance efficiency of MCCs operating within the region. Updates on technical, operational, and administrative matters will also be presented, alongside discussions on the program’s future directions in satellite-based search and rescue. Additionally, a report summarizing the meeting’s outcomes, including recommendations, will be prepared for the upcoming session of the program’s joint committee. This report will be reviewed to ensure that its recommendations are recorded and forwarded to the Cospas-Sarsat Council for appropriate action.

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20 February 2025

GACA Launches Integrated Digital Platform, New Corporate Identity

The General Authority Of Civil Aviation (GACA) launched its “Ajwaa” integrated digital platform, along with its new corporate identity and updated website.  This initiative reflects the significant transformation in the Saudi aviation sector, vital to Saudi Arabia's economic growth and the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.  GACA unveiled the digital platform Wednesday evening at its Riyadh headquarters. Minister of Transport and Logistic Services and Chairman of the Board of Directors of GACA, Eng. Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, along with GACA President Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, vice presidents, CEOs, officials, and directors from various aviation companies and national carriers, attended the ceremony.  The Ajwaa platform provides all civil aviation services, ensuring quick and efficient access for users. It creates a fully digital environment for stakeholders, improving operational efficiency, transparency, and GACA's regulatory role.  Al-Duailej said the new identity, slogan "Together for New Horizons," Ajwaa platform, and updated website mark a new era for GACA, shaping the future of aviation in Saudi Arabia with the leadership's full support.

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20 February 2025

GACA classifies air carriers, airports in January

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) today issued the Air Transport Service Providers and Airports Ranking Index, based on the number of complaints filed by passengers with the Authority during January 2025. The Authority reported that the total number of passenger complaints against air carriers reached 1,486. It clarified that Saudi Airlines recorded the lowest number of complaints, with 26 complaints per 100,000 passengers and a 100% complaint resolution rate within the specified timeframe for January. Flynas ranked second with 32 complaints per 100,000 passengers, also achieving a 100% complaint resolution rate. Flyadeal ranked third, with 37 complaints per 100,000 passengers and a 100% resolution rate, according to the index. The most frequently reported complaint categories in January were related to baggage services, followed by ticketing, and then flight-related issues. The Authority further noted that King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh received the fewest complaints, with a rate of 1% per 100,000 passengers, in the index for international airports with over 6 million annual passengers. It received 20 complaints, all of which were resolved on time (100%). Taif International Airport had the fewest complaints among international airports with fewer than 6 million annual passengers, with 1% per 100,000 passengers, totaling one complaint, which was also resolved within the designated timeframe (100%). In the domestic airports index, King Saud Airport recorded the lowest number of complaints, with a rate of 3% per 100,000 passengers, totaling one complaint, which was resolved on time (100%). GACA explained that the issuance of the monthly report for the Air Transport Service Providers and Airports Ranking Index (based on complaints filed with the Authority) aims to provide travelers with information on the performance of air transport providers and airports in addressing customer complaints. This enables passengers to make informed decisions when selecting a service provider, enhances transparency, and demonstrates the Authority’s commitment to addressing passenger complaints. It also fosters fair competition between service providers and airports to develop and improve services. As part of its support for its airport partners, the General Authority of Civil Aviation has developed a booklet providing guidelines on handling passenger complaints at airports. The booklet has been distributed to airport operators and includes specifications, service-level agreements, and compliance requirements for handling all types of complaints and inquiries. It also includes training for employees of national airlines and ground service companies who interact directly with passengers to ensure adherence to the executive regulations for customer rights protection, facilitated through workshops. Additionally, the Authority has provided multiple communication channels available around the clock to ensure engagement with travelers and airport visitors. These include the unified contact center (1929), WhatsApp service at +966 11 525 3333, social media accounts, email, and the official website, where complaints related to boarding passes, employee conduct, services for persons with disabilities and limited mobility, and more can be submitted.

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20 February 2025

For the second consecutive year, Saudi Arabia’s civil aviation sector records exceptional growth

The air transport movement in Saudi Arabia witnessed exceptional growth in 2024, achieving unprecedented record numbers in passenger traffic, which exceeded 128 million travelers across various airports in the Kingdom. This includes 59 million passengers on domestic flights and 69 million on international flights, marking a growth rate of 15% compared to 2023, and an increase of approximately 25% compared to pre-pandemic levels, demonstrating the recovery of the air transport sector in the Kingdom from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) revealed in its air traffic performance report released today that the number of flights across Saudi airports in 2024 reached approximately 905,000, an 11% increase compared to 2023. This includes 474,000 domestic flights and 431,000 international flights. The scope of air connectivity saw a 16% increase, with Saudi Arabia now linked to over 170 destinations worldwide, with flights departing to and from the Kingdom. Additionally, air cargo witnessed exceptional growth, increasing by 34%, reaching over 1.2 million tons in 2024. Of this, 1.17 million tons were handled by the top three airports, including 573,000 tons at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, 461,000 tons at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, and 140,000 tons at King Fahd International Airport in Dammam. The four main airports in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, and Madinah accounted for 82% of the total air traffic, reflecting their vital role in the Kingdom's aviation network. The region also witnessed a significant increase in air traffic during the last Hajj season (May 9 - July 21), with 1.5 million pilgrims arriving for Hajj, representing 40% of the total number of international passengers during that period. According to the British company OAG, which specializes in flight data, the Jeddah-Riyadh route saw the largest increase in capacity globally among domestic routes in 2024, while the Cairo-Jeddah route became the second busiest international route worldwide. It is worth noting that the General Authority of Civil Aviation is the regulatory body for the air transport sector in Saudi Arabia. It is responsible for setting the sector's executive regulations, overseeing their implementation, and monitoring compliance with relevant authorities. This contributes to enhancing the quality of air transport services and improving the passenger experience. In line with its strategy, GACA is shaping the future of the sector to create a competitive and attractive investment environment, positioning it as a leader in the Middle East and globally, and contributing to the achievement of its objectives to double its capacity by 2030.

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18 February 2025

GACA Participates in Saudi House Initiative at World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2025

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) is participating in the Saudi House initiative during the World Economic Forum annual meeting 2025, which will be held from January 20 to 24 in Davos, Switzerland. The event is organized by the Ministry of Economy and Planning with participation from various government entities. GACA will showcase the future of aviation through investment opportunities and incentives offered by the sector in Saudi Arabia, public-private partnerships for airport development, and the enhancement of aviation's position as a key driver supporting Saudi Vision 2030. The showcase will highlight the achievements of the aviation sector strategy and its global transformation. The authority will also introduce exceptional investment opportunities in Saudi Arabia launched through the aviation sector strategy, which aims to establish the Kingdom's aviation sector as an economic growth enabler, including the aviation status report. Mohammed bin Fahad Alkhuraisi, Vice President of Strategy & Business Intelligence at GACA, stated that during the Saudi House events, the authority will focus on investment opportunities in projects and incentives offered by the civil aviation sector in Saudi Arabia, aiming to attract investments exceeding $100 billion. These investments include airports, airlines, ground services, cargo, and logistics. Breaking down these investments: airports will receive more than $50 billion; new aircraft purchase orders amount to approximately $40 billion. The remaining $10 billion Is allocated for other projects, including $5 billion for establishing special logistics zones around the three main airports in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam. "The Kingdom offers unprecedented global investment opportunities in the civil aviation sector, with the Saudi National Aviation Strategy aiming to double passenger numbers, connect the Kingdom to more than 250 destinations, accommodate 330 million passengers, and reach an air cargo volume of 4.5 million tons," Al-Khuraisi said. The Saudi House initiative, organized by the Ministry of Economy and Planning with participation from various government entities, will host several dialogue sessions to discuss the latest significant trends in social and economic transformation both locally and internationally. The Saudi House pavilion reflects the Kingdom's growing role and effective influence in the international arena, serving as a platform connecting entrepreneurs, change-makers, and innovators to present strategic visions on vital fields shaping our world's future.

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12 February 2025

Saudi-US Roundtable Discusses Partnership Opportunities, Knowledge Exchange in Aviation

A high-level Saudi-US Advanced Air Mobility Roundtable has discussed ways to enhance economic ties in the air mobility sector, explore partnership opportunities, and exchange expertise in the air mobility industry and relevant services. The meeting also highlighted the sector’s strategic programs and initiatives aimed at advancing air mobility in line with the highest global standards and the Saudi Vision 2030. Held in Riyadh, the meeting brought together executive officials from the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), 12 US companies specializing in advanced air mobility operating in Saudi Arabia, and representatives from government entities and the private sector. Participants included the Ministry of Investment, the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, the Human Resources Development Fund, Advanced Electronics Company, Matarat Holding, and NEOM. The roundtable reviewed integrated logistics zones, the roadmap for advanced air mobility, and several successful trials conducted at multiple locations in the Kingdom. These include Saudi Arabia’s first successful vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) flight in NEOM in June 2023 and the successful air taxi trial during the Hajj season of 1445 AH. Moreover, the discussion covered GACA’s role in developing the civil aviation industry, investment opportunities in the sector, and key strategic programs such as the aviation sector’s objectives under the Saudi Vision 2030, the transformation program, infrastructure improvements, airport services enhancement, and the expansion of the airport network, leveraging the Kingdom’s unique geographic location connecting three continents. The meeting also highlighted civil aviation sector initiatives in Saudi Arabia, available investment and collaboration opportunities, the localization of advanced air mobility manufacturing, and the development of human capital in the sector.

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12 February 2025

GACA Receives International ISO 9001:2015 Certification for Quality Management System

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), represented by the Air Transport and International Cooperation Sector, has received the internationally recognized ISO 9001:2015 certification for its Quality Management System (QMS). This certification includes global standards for quality management. This achievement was possible through GACA’s adoption of policies and procedures that meet international standards. The Authority implemented continuous improvement principles and quality systems. GACA executed operations with efficiency and effectiveness. It distinguished itself in quality management. It also monitored performance and projects in the Air Transport and International Cooperation Sector. GACA demonstrated a commitment to high performance standards. It ensured integration between departments and facilitated the exchange of expertise with global authorities. The certification follows GACA’s fulfillment of the necessary criteria. These include conducting periodic internal reviews, analyzing gaps, implementing continuous improvement plans, cooperating with external audits from accredited bodies, adhering to quality standards, enhancing operational processes, improving service efficiency, ensuring sustainable development, and complying with international regulations in the air transport and international cooperation sectors. Ali bin Mohammed Rajab, Vice President of Air Transport and International Cooperation at GACA, explained that this certification reflects the Authority's ongoing efforts to provide integrated services. It contributes to institutional excellence, bolsters GACA’s position, and ensures adherence to the highest global standards in quality management and service delivery. He added that GACA continues to develop a highly efficient working environment. It relies on technology and electronic management in its processes and tasks. He affirmed GACA’s commitment to delivering services efficiently and effectively. These efforts align with the best global practices. The implementation of quality systems is a key objective of the National Aviation Sector Strategy and a fundamental pillar in achieving institutional excellence. The ISO 9001:2015 international standard is the most widely recognized quality management system in the world. It helps organizations meet customer expectations, monitor quality, manage operations, and improve business performance in many fields. This system elevates services to the highest quality standards.  

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10 February 2025

GACA President Highlights Saudi Support for Innovation, Sustainability in Civil Aviation at GISS25

General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) President Adulaziz Al-Duailej on Monday emphasized Saudi Arabia as a supporter of international efforts aimed at developing the civil aviation sector and enhancing its competitiveness and sustainability. During a ministerial roundtable at the fourth annual International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Global Implementation Support Symposium (GISS25) in Abu Dhabi, Al-Duailej underscored the kingdom's commitment to promoting pertinent investment in innovation, technology, and advanced techniques. Running from February 10 to 12, the GISS25 brings together various ministers and leaders from global civil aviation organizations, alongside 1,500 representatives from ICAO member states.

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04 February 2025

GACA Opens Saudi Arabia’s Domestic Aviation Market to International Charter Flight Operators

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) of Saudi Arabia is opening the domestic private aviation market to international operators, by announcing the removal of cabotage restrictions for foreign on-demand charter flights within the Kingdom. The decision is part of GACA’s broader strategy to boost the private jet market, supported by the establishment of a sector development committee to engage international and domestic business jet operators. The new policy, effective May 1, 2025, will allow foreign charter operators to apply for permission to operate domestic flights, following specific requirements set by GACA. “GACA is unlocking new opportunities for the global aviation industry, by removing restrictions on charter flight businesses to operate domestically in the Kingdom,” said Imtiyaz Manzary, General Manager for General Aviation at GACA. “This regulatory decision supports GACA’s roadmap to establish Saudi Arabia as a general aviation hub, alongside an unprecedented infrastructure program to establish new private airports and terminals across the Kingdom.” The removal of cabotage restrictions marks an important step in GACA’s strategy to enhance competition, attract foreign investment and provide greater flexibility for operators in the general aviation industry. Alongside this decision, GACA has announced a national General Aviation Sector Development committee to enhance Saudi Arabia’s proposition as a general aviation hub, including international private aviation investors, operators, and service providers. The committee will engage on infrastructure planning and regulatory processes, to enhance the Kingdom’s general aviation sector value proposition. GACA’s General Aviation Roadmap was launched during the Future Aviation Forum in May 2024, including a comprehensive transformation program to develop the general aviation sector into a $2 billion industry by 2030, supporting 35,000 jobs. The roadmap aligns infrastructure planning and regulations across the sector, delivering six dedicated business aviation airports and a further nine dedicated business aviation terminals. The Roadmap will also increase the number of business aviation Fixed-Base Operators and Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul capacity for business jets. Saudi Arabia’s business jet sector achieved a record 24% jump in flight volumes in 2024 to 23,612 flights, with domestic jet flights rising 26% to 9,206 and international jet flights rising 15% to 14,406.

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03 February 2025

GACA President Inaugurates Pioneering Air Cargo Security Control Center

General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) President Abdulaziz Al-Duailej inaugurated a first-of-its-kind Air Cargo Security Control Center at GACA's Riyadh headquarters yesterday. The center connects with all authorized air cargo agencies nationwide. By leveraging advanced remote inspection and surveillance technologies, the center enhances air cargo supply chain security through real-time monitoring of all agency procedures. The inauguration of this center aligns with GACA's commitment to developing a robust and advanced security monitoring system. By automating procedures in line with the latest global technologies, GACA aims to enhance operational efficiency and increase the Kingdom's air cargo volume, contributing to the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. The center will serve as a unified platform, integrating all key stakeholders in the Kingdom's air cargo security. This centralized approach will facilitate faster decision-making, enable the implementation of advanced security measures across the entire supply chain, and allow for more flexible cargo movement while maintaining the highest levels of security. By providing technical support for GACA's Washaj digital platform and facilitating direct coordination between relevant entities, the center will streamline the Kingdom's cargo and logistics operations while bolstering the global competitiveness of national exports. Operating a round-the-clock remote inspection system, the center will oversee national air cargo supply chain security through 40 authorized agencies across four main regions connected to the Kingdom's ports. To maximize security and safety, the center leverages cutting-edge technologies, including IoT and advanced risk analytics, to track shipments from the moment agencies receive them to their arrival at airports. Trained personnel from various national security agencies will operate the center 24/7, overseeing cargo operations from initial data entry on the Washaj platform. This includes monitoring X-ray inspections, surveillance camera footage at shipping agencies, and vehicle tracking systems. The center will ensure that all procedures adhere to the highest global security standards. GACA remains committed to advancing Saudi Arabia's air cargo sector by enhancing capacity, improving logistics capabilities, and delivering professional services that optimize operational speed and efficiency.

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29 January 2025

Saudi Arabia Hosts 11th Meeting of CASP-MID

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, represented by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), hosted today at the Radisson Blu Airport Hotel in Riyadh, the 11th meeting of the Executive Steering Committee of the Cooperative Aviation Security Programme Middle East (CASP-MID). The meeting was chaired by CASP-MID Chairman and GACA's Executive Vice President for Aviation Security Mohammed Alfozan, along with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Regional Director for the Middle East Regional Office Mohamed Abubaker Farea. The meeting included representatives from member states of the program, as well as delegations from ICAO, the Arab Civil Aviation Organization (ACAO), and various supporting international bodies. Participants included representatives from seven countries: Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Libya, Lebanon, Sudan, and Yemen. EVP Alfozan emphasized the significance of these regular meetings in addressing key issues related to civil aviation security. He noted that continued participation from member states is crucial for fostering greater cooperation and improving aviation security both regionally and globally, ultimately contributing to a secure future for civil aviation. Participants at the meeting praised the accomplishments of CASP-MID over the past year. They acknowledged the Kingdom’s leadership in advancing aviation security in the region and its ongoing support for member states and the program's initiatives, which are vital to safeguarding civil aviation from potential threats or illegal interference.

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28 January 2025

Saudi British Roundtable Explores Bilateral Cooperation Opportunities for Building International Partnerships in the Civil Aviation Sector

Led by Eng. Mohammed Alkhuraisi, Vice President of Strategy and Business Intelligence at the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), a civil aviation sector delegation took part in today's Saudi British roundtable meeting in the UK, joining major British aviation companies. The gathering brought together CEOs, officials, and specialists from aviation, airports, and related service sectors. Discussions centered on strengthening strategic partnerships, fostering economic development, and pursuing opportunities that support Saudi Vision 2030 goals. The meeting highlighted the Saudi Arabia's aviation sector achievements and facilitated the exchange of expertise, opinions, and investment opportunities with private sector stakeholders. Eng. Alkhuraisi's speech emphasized the robust Saudi British strategic relationship and its key role in fostering economic growth and cultural exchange between the friendly nations. He referenced the recent December agreement targeting $37.5 billion in bilateral trade by 2030, demonstrating the economic significance of this partnership. The relationship's strength is evidenced by the presence of more than 1,000 British companies with Saudi investment licenses and 55 with regional headquarters permits, including BAE Systems and Rolls-Royce. He explained that Saudi Arabia and the UK maintain strong relations in civil aviation, with the UK representing the Saudi Arabia's primary European market. The total number of travelers between Saudi Arabia and Britain in 2024 more than doubled compared to 2022, reaching 1,338,000 passengers. He reported that the Saudi Arabia has successfully launched major investments in airline and airport infrastructure, including establishing Riyadh Air as a new national carrier, launching the masterplan for King Salman International Airport (KSIA) in Riyadh, and various other sector infrastructure investments. These initiatives aim to achieve Saudi Vision 2030 and National Aviation Strategy targets of doubling passenger numbers to 330 million annually, increasing the Saudi Arabia's air connectivity to more than 250 destinations worldwide, and increasing air cargo capacity to 4.5 million tons annually. GACA's VP for Strategy and Business Intelligence wrapped up his speech by urging UK investors and aviation industry representatives to collaborate on developing partnerships, promoting economic growth, and exploring new frontiers that would advance the global aviation sector. Following that, delegation members presented an overview of the civil aviation system, including airport sector strategies and key achievements, air transport and international cooperation's role in enhancing air connectivity to reach 250 destinations, enabling technology and digital transformation, along with a brief overview of the Saudi airports sector - including implementation mechanisms, investment volume, and business opportunities - while highlighting investment in the Saudi aviation sector, enabling factors, and incentives. The delegation also participated in the civil aviation supply forum, where several meetings were held with UK aviation industry representatives from the British Aviation Group (BAG), representatives from the British Air Navigation Company, the British Civil Aviation Authority, and several globally leading companies, with government representatives from the British Embassy to the Saudi Arabia in attendance. These meetings discussed available investment opportunities in civil aviation and airport development. The visit aims to expand international cooperation and exchange expertise in civil aviation, supporting Saudi Vision 2030 goals of establishing Saudi Arabia as a global aviation hub. It seeks to attract global investors, strengthen Saudi-US economic ties, and showcase Saudi Arabia's aviation initiatives to create more travel options, attract quality investments, and enable private sector opportunities in both countries.

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27 January 2025

GACA Issues Riyadh Air's First Simulator License

Riyadh Air has received its first simulator certification from GACA for its B787-9 aircraft simulator, after it met all required aviation safety standards. The license was presented by Captain Sulaiman bin Saleh Al-Muhaimidi, GACA Executive Vice President of Aviation Safety and Environmental Sustainability, to Peter Bellew, COO of Riyadh Air. The license issuance demonstrates GACA's dedication to strengthening the aviation sector while adhering to international safety and quality standards. It also shows GACA's commitment to embracing new technologies and collaborating with private sector partners to enhance aviation training infrastructure, ensuring the sector's sustainable growth and leadership. This simulator represents a qualitative addition aimed at improving pilot training quality and efficiency, providing a training environment that accurately simulates reality, contributing to enhanced operational readiness and highest levels of operational safety. It is worth noting that the National Civil Aviation Sector Strategy aims to enable Saudi Vision 2030 and establish the Kingdom's aviation sector as the leading sector in the Middle East, reaching 330 million passengers, increasing air cargo capacity to 4.5 million tons, and enhancing air connectivity to reach 250 destinations to and from the Kingdom's airports by 2030.

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27 January 2025

GACA Issues Airports Performance Report for December 2024

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) yesterday issued its monthly performance report for December 2024 on the Kingdom's international and domestic airports, assessing them based on 11 operational performance standards to align with strategic objectives aimed at improving services, enhancing quality, and ensuring a seamless traveler experience.  King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Jizan, Arar International Airport, and Turaif Airport ranked highly in the report, with GACA categorizing airports for performance evaluation based on annual passenger numbers to ensure a transparent approach.  Among the category of international airports with more than 15 million passengers annually, King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh achieved first place with an 82% compliance rate. King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah came in second, with 73%.  King Fahd International Airport in Dammam tied for the first place with Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah in the category of international airports serving 5 to 15 million passengers annually, with a 91% compliance rate. The first outperformed the latter in terms of several standards.  In the category of 2 to 5 million annual passengers, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Jizan tied for first place with Abha International Airport, both achieving a 100% compliance rate. The first outperformed the latter by reaching higher targets in the specified evaluation criteria.  In the category of airports with fewer than 2 million annual passengers, Arar International Airport achieved a 100% compliance rate, outperforming its competitors in terms of average waiting time for departing and arriving flights.  Turaif Airport achieved first place in the domestic airport category, with a 100% compliance rate, outperforming all competing airports in terms of average waiting time for departing and arriving flights.  GACA evaluates airport performance through operational performance standards, focused on critical passenger touchpoints. These include check-in, security, passport control, customs, baggage claim, and assistance to passengers with reduced mobility. These metrics ensure a smooth and efficient travel experience for all passengers, aligning with international best practices.

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Last Update Date For Page Content : 20/11/2025 12:00 Saudi Arabia Time

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