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The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) showcased its initiatives, programs, and achievements in enabling advanced air mobility during its participation in the Advanced Air Mobility Conference held from November 26 to 27 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Representing GACA, the Advisor to the Deputy CEO for Strategy and Business Intelligence, Mr. Khalid Al-Harthi, outlined the Authority’s efforts to align with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. This includes the launch of a comprehensive roadmap for advanced air mobility, which has accelerated the adoption of cutting-edge technologies, facilitated the establishment of a new generation of vertical airports, and supported the development of infrastructure for vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft – key elements of advanced air mobility. A visual presentation highlighted several successful initiatives across the Kingdom, such as the first successful VTOL flight test in the Neom region in June 2023 and the deployment of air taxi services during the Hajj season the same year. Mr. Al-Harthi emphasized the significance of international cooperation between civil aviation authorities to establish a unified regulatory framework that fosters the growth of the advanced aviation sector. He also stressed the Kingdom's commitment to promoting public-private sector partnerships and attracting leading advanced aircraft manufacturers to the Saudi market. As part of the conference agenda, GACA, represented by the Director General of Airworthiness, Mr. Matar Al-Zahrani, engaged in several technical meetings with Brazilian aviation officials. These discussions addressed key topics, including technical approvals for aircraft designs used in advanced air mobility operations, the exchange of expertise on best practices, and solutions to empower local industries to manufacture such aircraft in the Kingdom. The meetings also focused on ensuring compliance with international safety standards and exploring technical solutions to support the initial operations of advanced air mobility systems.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), represented by the General Directorate of General Aviation, organized a workshop with owners of light and sports aircraft to address key challenges in operating these aircraft. The event was held at the Saudi Flying Club headquarters in Al-Thumama. The workshop is part of GACA’s broader efforts under the “General Aviation Roadmap,” which aims to position the Kingdom as a global hub for general aviation. This initiative seeks to create an attractive environment for aviation by unlocking the sector’s potential, establishing a strong foundation, and promoting sustainability. The roadmap also focuses on enhancing infrastructure and developing specialized centers for housing and maintaining aircraft, aligning with the objectives of Vision 2030. Eng. Imtiaz bin Mohammed Al-Manzari, Director General of General Aviation at GACA, stated that the workshop's goal is to improve operational services for light and sport aircraft, facilitating smoother movement across the Kingdom for local and international owners, whether visiting or transiting during their travels. Notably, the Saudi Flying Club, established in 2000, represents the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the International Air Sports Federation (FAI) and is a member of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). With over 500 members of various nationalities, the club oversees both locally and internationally registered aircraft. By collaborating with foreign aviation clubs, the Saudi Flying Club brings global insights and practices to enhance the light and sport aircraft sector in the Kingdom.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has announced the start of regular commercial flights by Transavia France between Saudi Arabia and France. The flights will operate between Lyon and Paris, with routes extending to Jeddah during the winter season of 2024, with a frequency of two flights per week commencing on December 12. This is part of GACA's continuous endeavor to strengthen air connectivity and integrate the Kingdom into the global network, consistent with the Saudi Vision 2030 goal of positioning Saudi Arabia as a global logistics hub, and the National Aviation Strategy objective of forging new routes for air travel.

Saudi Arabia has secured the presidency of the Civil Aviation Security Committee of the Arab Civil Aviation Organization (ACAO) for the third consecutive term after obtaining unanimous approval at the recent 40th committee meeting in the Moroccan capital, Rabat. This accomplishment underscores Saudi Arabia's pivotal role and constructive efforts in dealing with developments in the aviation industry, both regionally and globally. It clearly demonstrates the Kingdom's esteemed international standing in forums related to civil aviation and its proactive engagement in specialized international organizations in the field. On this occasion, Mohammed Al Fozan, Executive Vice-President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) for Aviation Security and Chairman of the Cooperative Aviation Security Programme– Middle East (CASP-MID), expressed his gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and HRH the Crown Prince for their substantial and unwavering support for the civil aviation sector. He underlined the significance of enhancing collaborative Arab efforts in aviation security and the entire aviation transportation sector, as well as maintaining continuous communication to uphold the highest safety standards in this vital industry.

The Kingdom has been unanimously re-elected to chair the Arab States Aviation Security Committee of the Arab Civil Aviation Organization for the third consecutive term. This decision was made during the 40th meeting of the organization’s Security Committee, recently held at its headquarters in Rabat, Morocco. This achievement underscores the Kingdom's pivotal role and active contributions to the air transport industry on both regional and international levels. It reflects the Kingdom’s esteemed international standing in civil aviation forums and its proactive engagement within specialized global organizations dedicated to aviation. On this occasion, Mr. Mohammed bin Saad Al-Fawzan, the Executive Vice President for Aviation Security and Head of the Cooperative Program for Aviation Security in the Middle East, extended his gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince - may God protect them - for their unwavering and substantial support for the civil aviation sector. He emphasized the importance of bolstering joint Arab initiatives in aviation security and air transport while continuing efforts to achieve the highest safety standards in this critical industry. Mr. Al-Fawzan highlighted the Kingdom’s commitment, as a founding member of the Arab Civil Aviation Organization, to supporting the organization’s initiatives through active participation, coordination, and representation within its governing bodies including the Executive Council and technical committees. He reiterated the Kingdom’s dedication to advancing the organization’s objectives, enhancing its leadership at the international level, and collaborating with Arab stakeholders and global partners to strengthen the aviation and air transport sectors. The Kingdom has made significant contributions to global aviation security by launching initiatives under the Arab Civil Aviation Organization and deploying Saudi experts specialized international organizations. Additionally, it hosts the permanent headquarters of the Cooperative Program for Civil Aviation Security in the Middle East (CASP-MID), affiliated with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The Kingdom has also supported ICAO’s No Country Left Behind initiative with a $1 million contribution. Notably, Saudi Arabia has been a member of the Arab Civil Aviation Organization since its establishment in 1996. The organization, comprising 21member states, operates under the League of Arab States, with the aim of fostering cooperation and coordination among Arab nations in civil aviation. The Kingdom’s role in founding the Arab Civil Aviation Organization alongside its Arab counterparts exemplifies its commitment to advancing collaborative efforts that ensure the safe and sustainable growth of the Arab civil aviation sector.

His Excellency Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), met today with Sharif Walid, Ambassador of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria to the Kingdom, at the Authority's main headquarters in Riyadh. The meeting included discussions on topics of mutual interest and explored ways to strengthen cooperation between the two brotherly countries in the civil aviation sector.