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Saudi Arabia, represented by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (CAGA), will host the 71st session of the International Satellite Search and Rescue Program (COSPAS-SARSAT) from October 15 to 24. The meeting will be chaired by Henrik Smith, Head of the Program, and will welcome representatives from 45 countries and organizations, alongside key Saudi government entities such as the General Directorate of Border Guards, the Royal Saudi Air Force, the National Center for Security Operations, the Saudi Space Agency, and the Communications and Space Technology Commission. The hosting reflects the Kingdom’s active role in the air transport sector and its commitment to satellite search and rescue operations at local, regional and international levels. Saudi Arabia is a pioneer in the region, having been among the first to join the program as a provider of ground sectors. The meeting, marking the first time it is held outside the headquarters of the program’s General Secretariat or its founding countries (the United States of America, France, Russia and Canada), will discuss several critical topics. Key agenda items include: - Operational and technical reports concerning the space and ground sectors of the Program. - Updates on emergency locator devices and administrative matters, including the review of previous council decisions and progress reports. - Discussions with international bodies such as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). - Presentation of the General Secretariat’s 2023 Annual Report, and review of the Secretariat's work plan for 2025. - Review of the Joint Committee's 38th meeting report (JC-38) and related recommendations. - Finalization of the program’s documents for approval, and confirmation or amendment of the agenda for future meetings. During the event, the General Authority of Civil Aviation will showcase the Saudi Search and Rescue Center, operated by the Saudi Air Navigation Services Company. As one of the region’s first centers, it leverages the COSPAS-SARSAT to provide distress signal notifications to relevant government agencies. The center’s services extend beyond the Kingdom, to seven neighboring countries in accordance with the regulations of the international program. This meeting underscores Saudi Arabia’s leadership in satellite-based search and rescue efforts, and its ongoing commitment to advancing collaboration in this critical field.

General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) President Abdulaziz Al-Duailej inaugurated today in Riyadh the fourth meeting of the Middle East Regional Aviation Security and Facilitation Group (MID-RASFG/4) aimed at strengthening regional cooperation and exchanging expertise in aviation security and travel facilitation. Speaking at the opening of the two-day meeting, co-hosted by GACA and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Middle East Regional Office, Al-Duailej emphasized Saudi Arabia's commitment to implementing ICAO international standards and highlighted the Kingdom's significant achievements in this area. These accomplishments include the introduction of the highly secure Saudi electronic passport, participation in the Public Key Directory, and the use of advanced technologies like big data and artificial intelligence to enhance inspection and monitoring operations. Al-Duailej highlighted the Kingdom's commitment to aviation security, as demonstrated by its 94.4% compliance rate in the ICAO aviation safety audit report, 100% compliance with Annex 9 to the Chicago Convention standards, and a seventh-place ranking among G20 countries in aviation security. Saudi Arabia presented a unified air travel requirements initiative aimed at creating a standardized global health framework for aviation in an effort to facilitate travel, unify health information protocols, and protect traveler health and safety. The meeting will address key topics such as following up on recommendations and decisions from the previous meeting (MID-RASFG/3), developing regional and global aviation security capabilities, discussing aviation security policy and counter-terrorism measures, improving airport security procedures through advanced technology, examining the impact of aviation-related legislation on public security, and reviewing Saudi Arabia's experience in quality control and compliance with international security standards.

October 13, 2024 The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has awarded four commercial licenses to leading global companies in the fields of innovative technology, artificial intelligence, logistics services, and e-commerce to operate in the Riyadh Integrated Special Logistics Zone. GACA President Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej attended the license handover ceremony at the Global Logistics Forum 2024, organized by the Ministry of Transport and Logistic Services from October 12 to 14 at the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) in Riyadh. Represented by Executive Vice President for Economic Policies and Logistics Awad Al-Sulami GACA granted a commercial license to a subsidiary of Alat, in partnership with a leading innovative technology and AI company, to engage in light manufacturing operations and logistics services. In the manufacturing sector, GACA issued a commercial license to Bahri Logistics to provide logistics services for Boeing aircraft spare parts. The license was handed over to Bahri Logistics President Soror Basalom enabling investment in the Riyadh Integrated Special Logistics Zone. Additionally, the Danish company Danfoss was granted a commercial license to conduct light manufacturing operations. In the e-commerce sector, GACA issued a commercial license to SHEIN for product distribution. The license aims to establish a regional distribution hub in the zone to serve the Middle East and North Africa.

October 13, 2024 President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej stressed that the National Aviation Strategy focuses on positioning the Kingdom as one of the top global logistics hubs by 2030. Al-Duailej made his remarks while participating in a panel discussion on the role of air freight in enhancing the Kingdom's leadership in the global logistics sector. The panel discussion was part of the Global Logistics Forum, held in Riyadh under the patronage of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and organized by the Ministry of Transport and Logistics from October 12 to 14. He explained that the Kingdom enjoys a unique geographical location, situated at the crossroads of three continents, with approximately 50% of the world's population within a five-hour flight. Al-Duailej added that this positioning enables the Kingdom to connect quickly and efficiently to vital markets through air freight, especially in a world where supply chains are under increasing pressure due to geopolitical factors. Al-Duailej pointed out that the Kingdom seeks to expand its air freight capabilities by increasing its fleet from the current seven cargo planes to 27, in collaboration with national carriers. He noted that this move supports the Kingdom's air freight goals, where the number of aircraft is expected to increase from 241 to 657 by 2030, including 187 wide-body and 470 narrow-body aircraft, positioning the Kingdom’s aviation infrastructure as a globally competitive power.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) will take part in the Global Logistics Forum (GLF), held under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. The event, hosted by the Ministry of Transport and Logistic Services, will take place from October 12-14, 2024, at the King Abdullah Financial District in Riyadh. With over 100 speakers, including industry experts, leaders, and government representatives, GLF offers a platform to discuss the future of the logistics sector. GACA's participation is an opportunity to highlight the Kingdom's commitment to transforming into a global logistics hub by 2030, as outlined in the National Aviation Strategy and the National Transport and Logistics Strategy. GACA aims to increase air cargo capacity from 0.8 million tons in 2023 to 4.5 million tons by 2030, making Saudi Arabia a crucial link in global supply chains. This ambitious goal is supported by a $100 billion investment in modernizing the Kingdom's aviation infrastructure and leveraging its strategic geographical location. GLF is expected to attract over 10,000 visitors from 30 countries, providing a valuable platform for exchanging best practices and addressing industry challenges.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), represented by the Air Transport and International Cooperation Sector, has announced its approval for Cathay Pacific Airways to begin operating regular passenger flights between Hong Kong and Riyadh. The flights, scheduled for the winter season of 2024, will operate three times per week, starting on October 28, 2024. This initiative is part of GACA’s ongoing efforts to enhance air connectivity and strengthen Saudi Arabia’s links with the global community. It aligns with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to position the Kingdom as a global logistics platform and open new travel opportunities in accordance with the Saudi Aviation Strategy.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), represented by the committee concerned with violations of the Civil Aviation Law, issued its report for the third quarter of 2024, which included the issuance of 197 violations. These violations involved imposing financial fines totaling SAR 8,698,100 on entities and individuals who violated the Civil Aviation Law, executive regulations, and instructions issued by the authority. The report showed that 177 violations were issued against air carriers for failing to comply with the Passenger Rights Protection Regulation, with fines amounting to SAR 8.4 million. Additionally, 4 other violations were issued against air carriers for non-compliance with the Civil Aviation Law and the authority’s instructions, with total fines reaching SAR 150,000. Furthermore, 3 violations were issued against licensed companies for failing to comply with the licensing provisions issued by the authority, with fines totaling SAR 60,000. The report also revealed that the committee issued 13 violations against individuals. These included 4 violations related to individuals using drones without obtaining a permit from the General Authority of Civil Aviation, with total fines of SAR 25,000, as well as 9 violations related to passengers not following aviation safety instructions and misconduct on board, with total fines of SAR 3,100. The authority clarified that these measures are part of its commitment to transparency and clarity, emphasizing its continuous role in regulating and monitoring the aviation sector, improving passenger experience, and enhancing the quality of air transport services in the Kingdom.

Riyadh — The Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) has awarded the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) the "Hayyak" Saudi Quality Certificate in recognition of its excellence in customer service. The certificate was presented to Eng. Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Dahmash, Executive Vice President for Quality and Customer Experience at GACA, by Eng. Saud bin Rashid Al-Askar, SASO’s Deputy Governor for Conformity and Operations, during an official visit by a SASO delegation to GACA’s headquarters in Riyadh. GACA earned the certificate after successfully meeting SASO’s quality requirements across all types of service centers that support beneficiaries. The recognition comes as part of GACA’s broader efforts to enhance service standards and deliver high-quality experiences to travelers and stakeholders alike. Eng. Faisal bin Khalid Al-Habib, Director General of Beneficiary Care at GACA, affirmed the authority’s commitment to delivering the highest levels of service. He explained that receiving the certificate followed the implementation of all requirements under the technical regulation for the Saudi Quality Certificate for customer service centers. This step aligns with the principles of institutional excellence and international quality management practices. He added that the achievement reflects GACA’s ongoing mission to continuously enhance the traveler experience and deliver services that meet the highest global benchmarks, in line with the National Aviation Strategy. The Beneficiary Care Center at GACA underwent a comprehensive evaluation to assess the quality of services it provides. The review was based on a set of rigorous criteria aimed at raising competitiveness and service standards. The assessment covered all service channels, including face-to-face interactions, phone services, self-service kiosks, and electronic platforms. The certification framework seeks to unify service procedures, reduce processing times, and improve customer satisfaction by creating a consistent and efficient service environment across government, private, and non-profit sectors. GACA continues to deliver services to passengers and stakeholders with a strong focus on quality and professionalism, ensuring they align with the strategic goals of the aviation sector. In June 2024, GACA received two gold awards for Best Customer Service and Best Government Contact Center in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa region during its participation in the Contact Center World Conference held in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Earlier that year, in March, GACA also received an award from the Consumer Protection Association during a ceremony held in Riyadh to mark World Consumer Rights Day. The award recognized the authority’s efforts in protecting passenger rights and ensuring fair, transparent services.  

The employees of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) celebrated the Kingdom’s 94th National Day under the theme “Glory, Pride, and Belonging”, through a series of patriotic events and artistic activities. The celebration was held at GACA’s headquarters in Riyadh and attended by His Excellency Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, President of GACA; Raed bin Hassan Al-Idrissi, CEO of Matarat Holding Company; and the Authority’s Vice Presidents. The celebration, organized by the Shared Services Sector through the Internal Communications Department, took place in a specially prepared "Celebration Tent." It featured performances by the National Orchestra, showcasing patriotic songs that embodied the spirit of the occasion, along with the traditional Saudi Ardah dance. His Excellency Al-Duailej also joined staff in performing the Ardah, sharing in the joy and pride that reflected the Kingdom’s rich and diverse cultural heritage. The event also served to deepen national identity and reinforce loyalty to the homeland and its leadership. GACA employees expressed their pride and appreciation for this meaningful occasion, praying that God continues to bless the Kingdom, its leadership, and its security forces, and to preserve the nation’s peace, prosperity, and stability.

His Excellency Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation, extended—on his behalf and on behalf of all the sector’s employees—his heartfelt congratulations to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Prime Minister (may God protect them both), and to the honorable Saudi people on the occasion of the 94th National Day under the theme "We Dream and Achieve." He stated: "Our beloved homeland celebrates the 94th Saudi National Day, a day that marks the unification and development initiated by King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman (may God have mercy on him). This journey of giving and growth continues in our present era, which is empowered by diverse objectives and ambitions, under a wise leadership that has built a glorious legacy with the efforts of generations, advancing our country’s development phase to become—praise be to God—a global destination on all fronts and a world leader economically and developmentally." He added: "These unprecedented achievements were accomplished, by God’s grace, and through meticulous planning and construction, resulting in comprehensive outputs and objectives that contributed to a prosperous and diversified economy." His Excellency Al-Duailej also noted the great support that the aviation and air transport sector receives from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince (may God protect them both). He explained that the sector has achieved record-breaking numbers and unprecedented accomplishments in economic and social development, as well as global leadership across various levels. These include launching several developmental projects such as the master plan for King Salman International Airport in Riyadh, the master plan for Abha International Airport, the opening of Red Sea International Airport, the development and expansion project of Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport, the opening of the development and expansion project of Al-Ahsa International Airport, the inauguration of the new international departure terminal at Taif International Airport, the launch of the autonomous air taxi experience for the first time during the Hajj season, and granting the first operational license to use drones for building cleaning. This reflects the authority’s commitment to enabling safe and innovative advanced air mobility solutions. The authority also launched the Knowledge Testing Center for aviation employees and the first phase of the electronic gates at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. His Excellency Al-Duailej concluded by praying to Almighty God to protect the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, and to continue to bestow upon our country the blessings of security, safety, prosperity, well-being, glory, and elevation.

His Excellency Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation, met today with His Excellency Dr. Haitham Saleh Abu Al-Foul, Ambassador of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to the Kingdom, at the authority’s headquarters in Riyadh. During the meeting, they reviewed topics of mutual interest and discussed ways to enhance cooperation between the two brotherly countries in the field of civil aviation.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) participated on Friday in the activities of the Summit of the Future, which was organized by the United Nations. The summit aims to adopt a unified global vision for the future, with participation of UN member states, UN agencies, non-governmental organizations, civil society organizations, academic institutions, the private sector, and youth. GACA's participation included organizing a virtual session on the sidelines of the summit, titled "Youth Development in the Civil Aviation Sector," in collaboration with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA). This marks GACA's first participation in UN events, and its proposal was approved among 40 other activities out of 400 proposals submitted by various countries. The participation comes as part of the Kingdom's efforts to support and empower youth in line with Saudi Vision 2030 and to highlight GACA's role in training and qualifying young cadres to contribute to the civil aviation sector. In his speech, the GACA president, Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, said that estimates indicate that there will be a need for 284,000 new pilots in the next ten years, and there is also a demand for Maintenance professionals. In Saudi Arabia, the aviation sector is expected to create about 279,000 direct jobs by 2030, which represents an increase of approximately 300% over the current 73,000 jobs. He added: "Youth constitute more than 60% of Saudi Arabia's population, and this energy is exactly what we need to drive innovation and ensure the sector's sustainability. The Saudi Vision 2030 focuses on youth development, and aviation is one of the key sectors in which we invest heavily through education, training, and professional development. The United Nations will hold the "Summit of the Future" on September 22 and 23, with the participation of world leaders as part of the high-level week of the General Assembly. The summit aims to update and activate UN institutions to keep pace with the rapid changes and challenges of the 21st century. The summit was preceded by preparatory action days, September 20 and 21, with the aim of creating additional opportunities to engage all stakeholders.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) issued its August report on the performance of domestic and international airports in Saudi Arabia. Airports are assessed based on 11 operational performance standards, which align with strategic objectives to enhance services and ensure a seamless traveller experience at Kingdom airports. The report highly ranked King Khalid International Airport, Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah, Abha International Airport, Al-Ahsa International Airport, and Gurayat Airport. GACA categorizes airports for performance evaluation based on annual passenger numbers, ensuring a transparent approach. King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh secured the top spot in the category of airports with more than 15 million passengers annually, with an 82% compliance rate. Following closely behind was King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah at 82%. Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport tied for first place in the category of international airports serving 5 to 15 million passengers annually, with a 91% compliance rate. King Fahad International Airport followed with an 82% compliance rate. In the 2 to 5 million annual passenger category, Abha International Airport and King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Airport in Jizan demonstrated a 100% compliance rate. However, Abha International Airport outperformed King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Airport by surpassing higher targets in the specified evaluation criteria. In the category of less than 2 million passengers annually, Al-Ahsa International Airport achieved a 100% compliance rate, outperforming its competitors regarding average waiting time for departing and arriving flights. Gurayat Airport came first in the domestic airport category, with a 100% compliance rate. It outperformed all competing airports regarding 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 for passengers with reduced mobility (PRM). These metrics ensure a seamless and efficient travel experience for all passengers and are aligned with international best practices. In support of its airport partners, GACA prepared a booklet containing guidelines on how to deal with traveler complaints. The booklet, which has been circulated among airport operators, sets out service agreements and the rules that must be adhered to for all types of complaints and inquiries. Through regularly held workshops, the authority trains employees of national airlines and ground service companies that deal directly with travelers on how to comply with passenger protection regulations.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) issued its monthly classification for air transport service providers “to give passengers information about the performance of air transport service providers and airports. The assessment was based on the number of complaints filed with GACA by travelers during August 2024. According to GACA, 1,505 complaints were filed by travelers on Saudi air carriers in August. SAUDIA Airlines had the fewest complaints among airlines, 13 per 100,000 travelers, and a complaint resolution rate of 100%. Flynas was second, with 17 complaints per 100,000 travelers and a resolution rate of 100%. Flyadeal was third with 23 complaints per 100,000 travelers and a resolution rate of 100%. The most common complaints in August were about luggage, flights, and tickets. According to the index, among international airports with more than 6 million passengers annually, King Khalid International Airport had the fewest complaints, at five per 100,000 travelers, and a resolution rate of 100%. Among international airports with less than 6 million passengers annually, Abha International Airport had the fewest complaints, two per 100,000 travelers, and a resolution rate of 100%. Among domestic airports, Bisha Airport had the fewest complaints, one per 100,000 passengers, and a resolution rate of 100%. GACA reiterated that the monthly classification report aims to help passengers make informed choices, promote transparency, demonstrate its credibility and keenness to deal with travelers' complaints, stimulate fair competition, and develop and improve services. According to the authority, it keeps multiple communication channels open around the clock to enable interaction with travelers and airport visitors. They are: Unified Call Center number 1929, WhatsApp service at 0115253333, email: gaca-info@gaca.gov.sa, social-media accounts, and GACA's website. Among the complaints the authority receives through these channels are those concerning boarding passes, employee behavior, and services for persons with disabilities and limited mobility.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) is set to host the "Youth Empowerment & Development in Civil Aviation" virtual session as part of the lead-up to the United Nations Future Summit.   This session will take place on September 20, 2024, from 3 to 5 PM.   GACA is collaborating with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) for this event.   This session marks GACA's inaugural involvement in a UN-affiliated event and will primarily focus on engaging youth in the civil aviation sector. The session aims to address the significant challenges facing human resources in the aviation industry, foster international cooperation, and explore career development opportunities for the next generation.   The virtual session will bring together representatives from academic, industrial, governmental, and international organizations and young professionals in the aviation sector. They will share experiences and discuss best practices, innovative ideas, and solutions to ensure the sustainable growth of the industry.   This session will serve as a platform to launch new collaborative initiatives aimed at developing a globally competitive and future-ready workforce in the aviation sector. By enabling public participation, the session will provide young people with the opportunity to interact directly with the speakers.   GACA's participation in such events aims to showcase its programs, initiatives, and contributions to creating job opportunities in the air transport industry and empowering Saudi youth. This aligns with GACA's belief in the role of Saudi youth in developing and enhancing the aviation sector, in line with Saudi Vision 2030 and the National Aviation Strategy.   The UN Future Summit will take place on September 22 and 23, during the high-level general assembly week. Preparatory work days will precede the September 20 and 21 summit to create additional opportunities for engaging all stakeholders.   Those interested in participating can visit the following website: https://myeservices.gaca.gov.sa/eservices/public/atic/sft/eservice/register?detailsId=3478753