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His Excellency Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, the President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation, today honored partners from national air carriers and ground services companies in recognition of their efforts in successfully activating the “Traveler without a Bag” service during the Hajj seasons of 1444 AH and 1445 AH. The ceremony was attended by Raed bin Hassan Al-Idrisi, the CEO of MATARAT Holding, along with senior officials from the transportation, aviation, and airport sectors. In his speech at the ceremony, Al-Duailej expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the participants in the “Traveler without a Bag” service. He highlighted the exceptional efforts that contributed to the service’s success, considering it a significant milestone within the framework of the Saudi Aviation Strategy. This initiative aims to improve the traveler’s experience, streamline their journey in the Kingdom's airports, and reinforce the Kingdom's position as a global hub for civil aviation. The “Traveler Without a Bag” service is an innovative initiative launched by MATARAT Holding, following the establishment of its regulatory framework by the General Authority of Civil Aviation. The service is designed to simplify travel procedures at Saudi airports, improve the overall travel experience in alignment with the aspirations of Saudi Vision 2030, reduce waiting times, and minimize the need for travelers to carry light luggage during their journey from their residence to the aircraft. The service achieved remarkable success during the Hajj seasons of 1444 AH and 1445 AH, benefiting over 1.4 million pilgrims from 30 countries worldwide. To further enhance its efficiency, the service will be made mandatory for all pilgrims through the electronic track during the Hajj season of 1446 AH, in collaboration with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. Additionally, efforts are underway with the Guests of God Program to expand the service to include the peak Umrah season of 1447 AH. These initiatives align with ongoing efforts to elevate the experiences of pilgrims and Umrah performers and strengthen the Kingdom's position as a leading global destination for air transport services.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) is participating, with a delegation led by its President, Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Security Week 2024, hosted by the Omani Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) in Muscat from December 9 to 12. The event brings together leaders and heads of civil aviation organizations and authorities worldwide. The GACA’s participation aims to exchange expertise and experiences in civil aviation security and cybersecurity, develop skills and tools to strengthen the foundations of the aviation industry, and enhance safety in air operations and airports. It also seeks to highlight the importance of coordinating responses to emerging threats, particularly cybersecurity-related challenges, and explore solutions and avenues for cooperation to address these challenges while promoting international collaboration to ensure civil aviation security. Meanwhile, the GACA president will participate in the high-level Ministerial Segment and the Youth Session, held as part of the ICAO Security Week 2024. The event focuses on the necessity of unifying international efforts and adopting an integrated approach to address all security challenges related to international civil aviation, including the protection of critical aviation infrastructure and enhancing its resilience against various risks. It also addresses several topics, such as air cargo security, aviation security in conflict zones, and exploring best practices and tools to counter emerging security threats posed by modern digital technologies, drones, and other acts of unlawful interference. ICAO Security Week 2024, hosted by the Sultanate of Oman, is one of this field's most prominent global events. This year marks the first time it has been held outside ICAO headquarters in Montreal, Canada.

Saudi Arabia was elected chair of the Air Navigation Committee of the Arab Civil Aviation Organization (ACAO) at the recent meeting the committee held at the organization's headquarters in Rabat, Morocco. This achievement underlines the Kingdom’s regional and international status in civil aviation; it follows its election as chair of ACAO Executive Council and membership in its committees. It further boosts Saudi Arabia’s leading role in ensuring air navigation safety and underscores its active contribution to specialized international civil aviation organizations. On this occasion, Executive Vice President of Aviation Safety and Environmental Sustainability at the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) Captain Sulaiman Saleh Almuhaimedi highlighted that this success reflects the esteemed position Saudi Arabia holds in international and regional aviation organizations. He noted that the Kingdom has swiftly transitioned from being merely a participant to holding leadership roles in committees and working groups of regional and global organizations, adding that GACA has recently assumed the leadership of several committees and working groups. The Executive Council of the ACAO is chaired by GACA President Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej who was elected during the 28th Ordinary General Assembly of ACAO, held in July in Rabat, Morocco. Saudi Arabia is one of the founding members and key supporters of ACAO, an Arab League-affiliated specialized organization established in 1996, which aims to boost cooperation and coordination among Arab states in civil aviation.

His Excellency, the President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation, Mr. Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, met today with the Ambassador of the Republic of Kosovo to the Kingdom, Mr. Lulzim Mijko, at the Authority’s headquarters in Riyadh. The meeting focused on reviewing topics of mutual interest and exploring ways to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in the civil aviation sector.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Lithuania signed an agreement to enhance cooperation in air transport services. The accord was formalized by General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) President Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej and Lithuanian Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Iraq Ramunas Davidonis during a ceremony today at GACA's headquarters in Riyadh. The agreement sets a regulatory framework for air transport operations between the two countries and aligns with the goals of Saudi Arabia's civil aviation sector strategy. It aims to expand the operational network of national carriers, elevate the Kingdom's status as a global logistics hub, and increase its global air connectivity to 250 destinations. The agreement also supports the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 by contributing to ambitious targets, including transporting 330 million passengers annually and establishing Saudi Arabia as a global logistics platform.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) concluded its participation yesterday in the 35th General Assembly of the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC), held in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo. The assembly, which took place from November 26 to 29, was opened by Prime Minister of the Republic of Congo Anatole Collinet Makosso and attended by AFCAC Chairman Silas Udahemuka, AFCAC Secretary General Adefunke Adeyemi, and heads of civil aviation authorities from the commission's member states, along with representatives of the African Union. During the main session, Executive Vice President for Air Transport and International Cooperation at GACA Ali Rajab presented the achievements of the national aviation sector strategy and the authority's role in positioning the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as a global logistics hub connecting countries around the world. Rajab also highlighted future investment opportunities for the Kingdom in the global aviation sector. He emphasized that the Kingdom is investing $100 billion, with the goal of transporting 330 million passengers and 4.5 million tons of cargo by air, and operating 250 international destinations by 2030. Rajab also discussed Saudi Arabia’s environmental sustainability program for civil aviation (CAESP), which aims to promote sustainable aviation practices. He noted that the program underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, combating climate change, and lowering the carbon footprint of civil aviation activities. Rajab reviewed the Kingdom's support for international initiatives and organizations, such as the “No Country Left Behind” campaign launched by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), as well as its contributions to supporting global aviation compliance with international standards, particularly in safety, air navigation efficiency, security, and environmental preservation. He affirmed that the Kingdom will continue to significantly support these plans and collaborate with AFCAC, member states, and all international partners to develop a safe, sustainable, efficient, and environmentally friendly civil aviation industry in African countries.