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His Excellency Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), commended the themes conveyed in the annual Royal Address marking the opening of the first session of the ninth term of the Shura Council. The address was delivered on behalf of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister—may God protect them both. The address reaffirmed the exceptional phase the Kingdom is experiencing—marked by transformative projects, progress, and development across various sectors. It reflected the nation’s commitment to pioneering initiatives and landmark achievements that solidify Saudi Arabia’s position among the world’s leading nations. All of this is rooted in Vision 2030, which serves as the foundation for transformation, sustainability, and a prosperous future for generations to come. In closing, Al-Duailej prayed for the continued protection of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, and for lasting security and stability for the Kingdom.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, represented by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), has participated in the 20th meeting of the Executive Committee for Civil Aviation in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. The Saudi delegation was led by the President of GACA and Chairman of the Executive Council of the Arab Civil Aviation Organization, Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej. The meeting was hosted by the State of Qatar, represented by the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA), in cooperation with the General Secretariat of the GCC. All member states participated in the meeting, which was held in Doha. In Al-Duailej's address during the meeting, the President of GACA expressed his gratitude to Qatar for its warm hospitality. He highlighted that the meeting aimed to strengthen cooperation among GCC states in civil aviation affairs, which would support the civil aviation industry in the region and unify efforts and stances. The meeting agenda covered cooperation on a unified program for assessing foreign aircraft safety, updates on establishing upper airspace for the GCC, and recommendations for a unified Gulf navigation communications network, including its technical specifications and economic feasibility. Additionally, discussions focused on aviation security culture, training, expertise exchange, and the GCC's achievements in air navigation and aviation.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), represented by the Aviation Safety and Environmental Sustainability Sector, participated in a workshop on operational safety at the Kingdom’s airports, titled “Knowledge Transfer”, which was held over four days at the headquarters of Matarat Holding Company, with the participation of more than 22 entities from various sectors and companies operating in Saudi airports. The workshop aimed to bring together airport operators to discuss daily operational safety topics and future operational initiatives in accordance with GACA’s aviation safety regulations and international best practices. It also focused on improving operations by enhancing various aspects of the operational ecosystem at airports and applying the highest standards of operational safety, which reflects in providing high-quality services to passengers. GACA’s participation comes as part of its programs and initiatives aimed at improving the quality of services provided to passengers at the Kingdom’s airports and developing a proposed vision to enhance operational safety standards and services by leveraging technological tools to streamline procedures, reduce processing times, and align with the highest global standards in support of the National Aviation Sector Strategy, which aims to offer world-class services that rival those of the world’s top airports. At the conclusion of the workshop, several outcomes were reached, including: emphasizing collaboration and integration between airports and other operational sectors, enhancing the use of technology to improve air traffic flow and operational processes, and advancing customer experience initiatives across Saudi airports.

General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) President Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, who also is the Arab Civil Aviation Organization executive council president, has called on civil aviation authorities worldwide to work together to usher in a new era of aviation for the world. During his opening speech at the UN International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Advanced Air Mobility Symposium -- held in Montreal, Canada from September 9 to 12 -- Al-Duailej urged collaborative efforts to exchange knowledge in the sector. He also underscored the importance of addressing relevant challenges and building partnerships to ensure the success of advanced air mobility technologies globally. ICAO Council President Salvatore Sciacchitano, representatives from ICAO member states, and global aviation leaders attended the event. At the ICAO symposium, Saudi Arabia was chosen to deliver the opening speech to aviation leaders from over 75 countries due to its pioneering role in international civil aviation, particularly advanced aviation. The selection also solidifies the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s global leadership in the aviation industry, with the nation serving as a gateway to the world and a global hub for trade and tourism, given its strategic location connecting Asia, Africa, and Europe. During the forum, the Kingdom highlighted its Advanced Air Mobility roadmap launched in 2024, aligning with the national aviation strategy. The roadmap signifies a comprehensive change 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. Additionally, the Kingdom shed light on its hosting last May of the third edition of the Future Aviation Forum 2024 under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. That edition of the forum witnessed exceptional successes, including the participation of seven advanced air transport aircraft in the accompanying exhibition, making it the largest gathering of such aircraft types in the world. Furthermore, the Kingdom highlighted its experience in conducting air taxi operations during the previous Hajj season in June through GACA as an example of the role that advanced air mobility can play in various aspects of life. The Kingdom underscored the need for expanding the scope of this technology to enable and assist the millions of pilgrims who visit the holy sites annually. It emphasized unveiling future plans to establish capabilities center by 2028 that focuses on training local talents and attracting top minds and competent individuals globally. During the symposium, the ICAO granted the Global Advanced Air Mobility Academic Paper Competition award to students from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST). The accolade underscores the Kingdom's potential in advanced air mobility, successfully integrating and empowering it in line with the Kingdom's ambitious goal to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2060. This potential also reinforces Saudi Arabia’s commitment to advanced research and complements its investments in Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) aircraft.

General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) President Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, along with a delegation of officials from GACA, the Ministry of Investment, the Public Investment Fund (PIF), the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, and representatives from local private-sector companies like NEOM and Saudia Aerospace Engineering Industries (SAEI), toured a BETA Technologies Company's factory in South Burlington, Vermont. BETA Technologies specializes in the production of electric aircraft and vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft. During the visit, the delegation inspected the production lines for advanced air mobility technologies, the latest infrastructure technologies used by the factory, and the operation of charging stations. They also visited the company's research and development centers, where they learned about the latest technology and enabling technologies used in carbon-free manufacturing and production, as well as the engines that rely on charging cubes, which reduce operating costs and carbon emissions. These include the VTOL aircraft and the fully electric models for vertical and conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL). The GACA delegation's visit is part of Saudi Arabia's efforts to reaffirm its commitment to enabling advanced air mobility technologies and sustainable innovations as outlined in the Advanced Air Mobility Roadmap launched by GACA earlier this year. It also aims to strengthen cooperation and build partnerships with leading companies in the civil aviation sector, explore opportunities for exchanging expertise in the field of advanced air mobility, and pursue the transfer and localization of advanced aviation technologies while enhancing research, development, and innovation cooperation.

September 10, 2024 The President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) and Chairman of the Executive Council of the Arab Civil Aviation Organization, Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, stated that there is a significant transformation taking place in the civil aviation sector in Saudi Arabia. This transformation is part of the National Aviation Strategy, which aims to achieve the Kingdom's Vision 2030 goals of building a prosperous and diversified economy. Al-Duailej made these remarks during Saudi Arabia's participation at the first forum of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) on Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) in Montreal, Canada. The forum, held from September 9 to 12, 2024, was attended by the President of the International Civil Aviation Organization, Salvatore Sciacchitano, as well as representatives from member states of the "ICAO" organization and leaders of the aviation sector worldwide. He emphasized that Saudi Arabia's participation in the forum highlights its leading role in advanced and international civil aviation. Earlier in the year, GACA launched the Advanced Air Mobility Roadmap, which aligns with the National Aviation Strategy. This roadmap outlines comprehensive changes based on seven main pillars: adopting technical solutions, developing infrastructure, achieving comprehensive governance, building trust, attracting investments, setting regulations and systems, and empowering human capital. Al-Duailej also called on civil aviation authorities worldwide to collaborate, address challenges, and build partnerships to ensure the success of advanced air mobility technologies globally. As part of the forum, the ICAO presented the Advanced Air Mobility Global Academic Paper Competition award to students from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST). This acknowledgement underscores the Kingdom's capabilities in advanced air mobility and its commitment to integrating and enabling it, which aligns with its ambitious goals to achieve zero carbon emissions by 2060. The Kingdom's investments in electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOL) were also highlighted as part of its commitment to advanced research. Additionally, the GACA President held separate bilateral meetings with Salvatore Sciacchitano and the President of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Barry Butler, discussing ways to enhance international cooperation in the civil aviation sector.

September 08, 2024 Represented by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will participate in the International Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO) first Advanced Air Mobility Symposium (AAM 2024), which will be held in Montreal, Canada, from September 9 to 12, 2024, with participation from ICAO member countries and global aviation leaders. The Kingdom's delegation will be headed by President of GACA Abdulaziz Al-Duailej. At the forum, GACA will showcase the national aviation strategy, its achievements, and the Kingdom's commitment to developing the aviation sector using the latest technologies in advanced air mobility. GACA will also explore opportunities for collaboration with global partners. The authority will discuss its efforts in advanced air mobility, focusing on providing safe and sustainable transportation to achieve its goal of eliminating carbon emissions and reaching net zero by 2060. The forum will feature strategic sector programs and initiatives, including the launch of a roadmap for advanced air mobility, which has accelerated the adoption of advanced air mobility technologies in the Kingdom. This includes the development of a new generation of airports, such as the Red Sea International Airport and NEOM Airport. Several successful advanced air mobility trials will be presented, including the first successful electric VTOL flight test in NEOM in June 2023 and the issuance of the world's first flying taxi license following a successful trial during the Hajj season last June. GACA will also highlight its collaboration with ICAO, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to ensure global consistency in advanced air mobility regulations.

His Excellency the President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation, Mr. Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, accompanied by the Deputy Commander of the Air Force, Major General Pilot Rukn Talal bin Suleiman Al-Ghamdi, and the Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to the Arab Republic of Egypt, Saleh bin Eid Al-Husseini, visited yesterday the first edition of the Egypt International Air and Space Exhibition 2024, held from September 3 to 5 at El Alamein International Airport. His Excellency and the accompanying delegation toured the exhibition halls and reviewed the latest products, technologies, and services in the fields of civil and military aviation and aerospace. They also explored modern innovations and solutions in the aviation industry, visiting the booths of several participating companies, including Saudia Group, SAMI (Saudi Arabian Military Industries), the Royal Saudi Air Force, Korean Aerospace Industries, Boeing, and COMAC. They listened to presentations on advanced aviation technologies, aircraft maintenance and repair solutions, advanced training systems, and the latest defense products. During his visit to the exhibition, the GACA President met with the Egyptian Minister of Civil Aviation, Dr. Samih Ahmed Al-Hafni, to discuss issues of mutual interest, ways to enhance cooperation between the two countries in the field of civil aviation, and available investment opportunities in air transport. His Excellency also met with the CEO of Avolus, Edward Oberwyn, where they reviewed the company's strategy, objectives, and future areas of cooperation. It is noteworthy that the Egypt International Air and Space Exhibition 2024 features participation from more than 100 countries and over 300 companies and entities from the world’s leading aircraft and aerospace manufacturers. The event also hosts many experts from the aviation, aerospace, and defense industries, as well as leaders from international and regional civil aviation organizations.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) is hosting a three-day workshop in Jeddah in collaboration with the Cooperative Aviation Security Programme – Middle East (CASP-MID) under the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The workshop aims to enhance cybersecurity in the civil aviation system and has gathered 28 representatives from member states of the program. The workshop was inaugurated by Vice President of Aviation Security and Head of CASP-MID Mohammed bin Saad Al-Fawzan underscoring the cooperative program and GACA's joint efforts in bolstering cybersecurity across the region. The event focuses on developing effective strategies and frameworks to protect the technological and informational assets of the aviation system. It addresses topics including international and national cybersecurity legislation, cybersecurity governance, risk management, and adherence to cybersecurity operations in civil aviation. GACA's commitment to hosting these initiatives aligns with the national aviation sector strategy, showcasing the latest technologies and fostering a culture of civil aviation security. These efforts ensure the highest levels of security, keeping pace with rapid advancements in the industry while adhering to international standards and national goals.

President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, is leading a delegation to the Egypt International Airshow 2024, which is scheduled to take place from September 3 to 5. The event will feature a range of activities and significant gatherings related to the aviation industry, providing GACA with an opportunity to spotlight the accomplishments of Saudi Arabia's aviation sector. GACA aims to highlight the objectives of the national aviation sector strategy and the regulatory frameworks designed to promote growth and innovation within the Kingdom. Furthermore, GACA's participation will focus on strengthening bilateral relationships, fostering commercial partnerships, exploring investment opportunities in Saudi Arabia, and identifying areas of collaboration to develop a more prosperous aviation sector. The three-day event will kick off at El Alamein International Airport in northern Egypt, drawing participants from over 100 countries, around 300 exhibitors, and a distinguished group of leaders in the aviation and aerospace industries from around the globe. The exhibition will showcase state-of-the-art technologies, equipment, and the latest aircraft designed for various civil and commercial purposes. In recent years, the civil aviation sector in Saudi Arabia has undergone significant transformation and achieved record milestones in line with the national aviation sector strategy. Between January and June of this year, the Saudi civil aviation sector experienced a 17% increase in passenger numbers, totaling 62 million passengers. Additionally, the number of flights rose by 12% to reach 446,000 flights, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. Meanwhile, GACA has been actively working to upgrade relevant regulations and frameworks to foster growth and innovation within the Kingdom's aviation sector.

Red Sea Global (RSG), the developer behind the regenerative tourism destinations The Red Sea and AMAALA, has secured its second operating license for a water aerodrome, this time for Shebara resort at The Red Sea. This license is one of the final steppingstones toward opening Shebara to the world. Soon, guests will be arriving by seaplane to this iconic resort in anticipation of enjoying a truly peerless escape,” said Red Sea Global Group chief executive John Pagano. As owners of the Kingdom’s first seaplane airline and its only two water aerodromes up until now, we are firmly establishing ourselves as leaders within tourism and aviation. The aerodrome is located on Sheybarah Island, home to the iconic Shebara resort, which opens to guests next month. Known for its distinctive stainless-steel orbs, Shebara will be the first resort at The Red Sea to be owned and operated by Red Sea Global. The island features a spectacular 30 to 40 meter reef drop-off close to the beach, and guests arrive either by a 30-minute boat ride from the mainland or 20 minutes by seaplane. General Authority for Civil Aviation (GACA) President Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej handed the license for the water aerodrome to Pagano at The Red Sea destination. He stated that the license award forms part of GACA’s aviation transformation program to boost competition and investment in support of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 agenda. The Saudi Aviation Strategy is driving unprecedented growth in Saudi aviation, supporting projects such as RSG’s with greater aviation infrastructure and connectivity. As the Kingdom’s aviation regulator, GACA is ensuring the highest levels of safety and quality across the sector, enabling Saudi Arabia to lead globally through aviation. Minister of Transport and Logistics Services Saleh AI-Jasser was also in attendance. Last year, RSG secured the first operating license for a water aerodrome in Saudi Arabia, at Ummahat Island. It has been servicing passengers to and from The St. Regis Red Sea Resort and Nujuma, a Ritz Carlton Reserve, since they opened on the island earlier this year. More than 520 flights carrying over 1,200 passengers were completed in the first half of the year on a fleet of Cessnas, and RSG expects to transport 3,800 passengers before the end of 2024. In 2023 RSG also announced the launch of its subsidiary business Fly Red Sea, the Kingdom’s first seaplane company and water aerodrome operator. It was established to enable the transport of guests across the crystal-clear waters to the Red Sea’s islands' resorts. In the future, it will add connections to neighboring destinations and developments such as AMAALA and Al Wajh Airport. The Red Sea welcomed its first guests last year, with three of its hotels now open. Shebara and Desert Rock will welcome first guests later this year, while Shura Island is on track to welcome guests in 2025. Red Sea International Airport has been receiving a regular schedule of domestic flights since September 2023, and international flights began in April 2024, with a twice-weekly route between The Red Sea and Dubai International. Upon full completion in 2030, the destination will comprise 50 resorts, offering up to 8,000 hotel rooms and more than 1,000 residential properties across 22 islands and six inland sites. The destination will also include luxury marinas, golf courses, entertainment, food & beverage, and leisure facilities.

Minister of Transport and Logistic and Chairman of the Board of Directors of General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) Eng. Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser signed today MoU in the fields of seaplanes and airstrips between the governments of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Maldives. The MoU was signed by the Maldives Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Mohamed Ameen, in the presence of GACA President Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, on the sidelines of a visit by a delegation from the Maldives to the Red Sea Destination. The MoU aims to enhance cooperation in the field of seaplanes and airstrips to provide a safe air transport environment in accordance with international best practices. It also aims to implement regulations aimed at ensuring the safety and security of seaplane operations and their development. The Red Sea Destination is being developed responsibly for people and nature by Red Sea Global (RSG), which is dedicated to creating world-class sustainable tourism destinations in Saudi Arabia. RSG owns the first seaplane company in the kingdom, Fly Red Sea, headquartered at the Red Sea International Airport, which connects visitors to the stunning resorts located on the various islands of the destination through a variety of options, including seaplanes. The Red Sea International Airport has become a major gateway for luxury tourism, contributing to enhancing Saudi Arabia's global leadership in innovation and sustainable development. The airport operates entirely on renewable energy and has runway for seaplanes and a private passenger lounge.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) released its July report on the performance of Saudi Arabia's domestic and international airports. The report evaluates airports based on 11 operational performance standards that align with strategic objectives to enhance services and ensure a seamless traveler experience. The report highly ranked King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah, Abha International Airport, Qaisumah International Airport, and Qurayyat Airport. GACA categorizes airports into five categories for performance evaluation based on annual passenger numbers to ensure transparency. King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah 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 Khalid International Airport in Riyadh at 82%, with King Abdulaziz International Airport outperformed King Khalid International Airport in terms of achieving the standards. In the category of international airports serving 5 to 15 million passengers annually, Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah ranked first with a 91% compliance rate. Similarly, King Fahd International Airport in Dammam also achieved a 91% compliance rate. However, Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport outperformed King Fahd International Airport in terms of meeting the standards. In the annual passenger category of 2 to 5 million, Abha International Airport ranked first with a 100% compliance rate, while King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Airport in Jizan came in second, also with a 100% compliance rate. Abha International Airport outperformed King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Airport in Jizan in terms of meeting the standards. In the category of airports with less than 2 million passengers annually, Qaisumah International Airport ranked first with a 100% compliance rate, surpassing its competitors in average waiting time for departing and arriving flights. Qurayyat Airport secured the top spot in the fifth category of domestic airports with a 100% compliance rate, outperforming all other airports in terms of average waiting times for departing and arriving flights. GACA assesses airport performance using 11 key performance indicators. These include passenger waiting times at check-in counters, time spent at baggage carousels, passport control, customs areas, standards for people with disabilities, and other standards based on international best practices.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has issued the classification index for air transport service providers and airports to inform passengers about their performance and help them make informed choices. The assessment is based on the number of complaints filed with GACA by travellers. According to GACA, 1422 complaints were filed by travellers on Saudi air carriers in July. Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) had the fewest complaints among the airlines, 25 per 100,000 travellers, and a complaint resolution rate of 100%. Flynas came in second, with 27 complaints per 100,000 travellers and a resolution rate of 100%. Flyadeal came in third with 34 complaints per 100,000 travellers and a resolution rate of 99%. The most common complaints in July were about luggage, flights, and tickets. According to the report, King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh had a remarkably low complaint rate of 0.4% per 100,000 passengers and a 100% complaint resolution rate, despite serving over 6 million annual passengers. With less than 6 million annual passengers, Hail International Airport had a complaint rate of 1% per 100,000 passengers and a 100% complaint resolution rate. Bisha Airport had the lowest complaints among domestic airports, with a complaint rate of 3% per 100,000 passengers and a 100% complaint resolution rate. These low complaint rates testify to the high quality of service these airports provide. GACA reiterated that the monthly classification report aims to help passengers make informed choices, promote transparency, demonstrate its credibility and keenness to deal with travellers' complaints, stimulate fair competition, and develop and improve services. According to the authority, multiple communication channels are kept open around the clock to enable interaction with travellers and airport visitors. They are: Call Center number 1929, WhatsApp service at 0115253333, email: gaca-info@gaca.gov.sa, social media accounts, and GACA's website. Through these channels, the authority receives complaints concerning boarding passes, employee behavior, and services for persons with disabilities and limited mobility. In support of its partnering airports, GACA prepared a booklet containing guidelines on handling traveller complaints. The booklet, which was circulated among airport operators, sets out service agreements and the rules for all types of complaints and inquiries. The authority also trains, through regularly held workshops, employees of national airlines and ground service companies that deal directly with travellers on how to comply with passenger protection regulations.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), represented by the committee responsible for reviewing violations of the Civil Aviation Law provisions, issued its report for the second quarter of 2024. The report included the issuance of 111 violations, imposing financial fines exceeding 4.5 million Riyals on entities and individuals violating the Civil Aviation Law, its executive regulations, and the instructions issued by the authority. The report showed that 111 violations were issued, including 92 violations against air carriers for breaching the Passenger Rights Protection Regulation, with fines amounting to 4.4 million Riyals. Additionally, 5 other violations were issued against air carriers for non-compliance with the authority’s systems and instructions, with total fines of 140,000 Riyals. Furthermore, 2 violations were issued against licensed companies for not adhering to the instructions issued by the authority in practicing their licensed activities, with total fines amounting to 30,000 Riyals. The report also revealed that the committee issued 12 violations against individuals, including 10 violations detected onboard aircraft, with total fines amounting to 3,900 Riyals. Additionally, 2 violations related to the use of drones without authorization from the authority were issued, with total fines amounting to 10,000 Riyals. The authority clarified that these measures are part of its keenness to achieve transparency and clarity, confirming its ongoing commitment to its regulatory and supervisory role in the aviation sector, improving passenger experience, and enhancing the quality of air transport services in the Kingdom.