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A high-level delegation from the civil aviation sector, headed by General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) President Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej held the Saudi-French Roundtable Meeting on Tuesday in the French capital, Paris. The meeting brought together leading French companies specializing in civil aviation, along with chief executives, the deputy chief executive for aviation safety and environmental sustainability, officials, and experts in aviation, airports, and related services. More than 65 public and private entities from both countries participated. The meeting was held as part of the 55th annual Paris Air Show, taking place from June 16 to 22. It aims to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation, explore investment opportunities, and expand areas of privatization and technology transfer. The meeting highlighted national priorities and projects in the sector, while facilitating the exchange of views on the future of the aviation industry, addressing shared challenges, and aligning efforts to build strategic partnerships that support infrastructure development, foster innovation, and promote sustainability in aviation — reinforcing the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's position as a global logistics hub and a key center for air transport. Participants discussed available investment opportunities in the civil aviation industry and the attractive investment environment the Kingdom offers to both local and international investors. They also highlighted national initiatives, privatization prospects, and opportunities in airport infrastructure, air navigation services, and advanced aviation technologies. These efforts reflect the Kingdom’s commitment to the sustainable development of the sector and its positive contribution to the global aviation industry, in line with its strategic interests and the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.

President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) Abdulaziz Al-Duailej signed a bilateral air services agreement between the governments of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Panama during Saudi Arabia’s participation at the 55th Paris Air Show, held from June 16 to 19.  The agreement establishes a regulatory framework for safe, efficient, and orderly air transport between the two countries, adhering to the principles of the 1944 Chicago Convention. It demonstrates a mutual commitment to advancing civil aviation by strengthening regulations on air safety, aviation security, and fair competition.  The agreement also supports Saudi Arabia’s civil aviation sector strategy, which aims to forge global partnerships, expand air connectivity to 250 destinations, and increase passenger transport capacity to 330 million annually by 2030.

His Excellency Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), extended his heartfelt congratulations to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and to His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Prime Minister—may Allah protect them—on the successful conclusion of the Hajj season for the year 1446 AH. His Excellency emphasized that this success reflects the wise leadership’s unwavering care and continuous support in serving the Guests of Allah. These efforts are made possible through far-sighted directives and limitless support to all sectors involved in Hajj operations, ensuring pilgrims perform their rituals with ease and tranquility within a fully integrated service system—from their arrival in the Kingdom until departure. Al-Duailej noted that the civil aviation sector’s arrival-phase operations were executed with high efficiency across 11 terminals in 6 major airports. Over 314,000 pilgrims from 8 countries benefited from the “Makkah Route” initiative, and more than 1.4 million seats were allocated across 10,000+ scheduled and chartered flights by 62 air carriers, including 3,312 dedicated flights at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah. He added that joint operational committees within the aviation system have worked around the clock to ensure smooth airport operations and provide safe, streamlined services. Key initiatives included the “Pilgrim Without Baggage” service, aimed at over 750,000 pilgrims and expected to reach 1 million by the end of the departure phase. Additionally, around 850,000 Zamzam water bottles were handled through the baggage drop-off platforms in departure halls, and over 85,000 pilgrims were linked—via Terminal 1 at King Abdulaziz International Airport—to the Haramain High-Speed Railway in coordination with SAR. He reaffirmed that efforts continue intensively during the departure phase to ensure a smooth and safe travel experience, in line with royal directives and in pursuit of elevating the Hajj experience, in accordance with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to enhance the quality of services for pilgrims. He concluded by praying for the continued health and protection of the Kingdom’s leadership, the prosperity of the nation, and the safe return of all pilgrims to their home countries.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, represented by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), participated with a high-level delegation in the 55th edition of the Paris Air Show “Le Bourget,” held in the French capital Paris from June 16 to 22, 2025. The delegation was headed by His Excellency Eng. Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, Minister of Transport and Logistic Services and Chairman of GACA’s Board of Directors, and included His Excellency Mr. Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, President of GACA, as well as several CEOs and experts in aviation, airports, and aviation-related service sectors. The participation aims to explore opportunities for cooperation in enhancing air connectivity, economic growth, and promising investment prospects, in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. GACA’s participation is intended to strengthen relationships with major international aviation and aerospace companies, and stakeholders in the air transport industry in general. It also seeks to develop new air routes, promote investment opportunities in the Saudi aviation sector under the National Aviation Strategy, and enhance bilateral relations through meetings between countries involved in the aviation industry. During the visit, His Excellency the Minister of Transport and Logistic Services, accompanied by GACA’s President, Vice Presidents, and CEOs of companies operating within the Saudi civil aviation sector, toured the exhibition. They visited various pavilions to explore the latest technologies, innovations, and aviation solutions presented, including advanced air mobility, aerospace, and environmental sustainability. They also viewed the integrated products offered by specialized companies for the design and assembly of commercial and military aircraft, which are distinguished by their application of the highest standards in automation, digitization, and smart manufacturing concepts. The delegation visited the pavilions of the Saudi aviation ecosystem, including national airlines, companies, and institutions. They listened to presentations from pavilion representatives on the services, technologies, and innovative digital solutions currently being implemented in the sector. They were also briefed on recent developments in maintenance, manufacturing, and aviation training services, as well as on the latest equipment and systems showcased by hundreds of local and international manufacturers. As part of the exhibition activities, and in the presence of His Excellency the Minister of Transport and Logistic Services and His Excellency the President of GACA, the Authority signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Airbus in areas of mutual interest. These included environmental sustainability, airworthiness and flight operations safety, the exchange of technical and technological expertise, and the development of national competencies. Additionally, an agreement was signed between Avilease, an aircraft leasing company, and Airbus for the purchase of 77 advanced aircraft, including A350 freighters and A320 narrow-body aircraft. Another agreement was signed by Riyadh Air to purchase 50 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, expanding its fleet to 182 aircraft in preparation for connecting Riyadh to 100 global destinations by 2030. Furthermore, a cooperation agreement was signed between the Second Airports Holding Company (Tamaheel Airports) and Airbus to explore training and development opportunities and investment cooperation. During the visit, His Excellency Mr. Abdulaziz Al-Duailej also met separately with Mr. Damien Cazé, Director General of the French Civil Aviation Authority; Mr. Arjan Meijer, President and CEO of Embraer; and His Excellency Sheikh Dr. Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Bahrain’s Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications. These meetings explored ways to strengthen collaboration in advancing the civil aviation sector. The participation of the Saudi aviation ecosystem in the Paris Air Show aims to highlight the Kingdom’s civil aviation sector as a key engine of national economic growth. It seeks to present the investment opportunities available within the sector, gain insight into the latest global aviation innovations, explore areas of cooperation with leading international manufacturers and institutions, and build strategic partnerships with France and other global partners. These efforts support the Kingdom’s ambition to position itself as a regional and international hub for aviation. It is worth noting that the Paris Air Show “Le Bourget” is one of the world’s most important aviation exhibitions, attracting thousands of participants from the aviation, aerospace, and defense industries worldwide. The exhibition offers companies an opportunity to showcase new products and technologies, demonstrate innovation capabilities, and exchange knowledge and expertise. It also serves as a platform to present the latest developments in aircraft technologies and aviation industry equipment, in response to the rapid growth and rising demand for air travel in the coming years.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, represented by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), will participate in the Paris Air Show 2025 with a high-level delegation headed by His Excellency the Minister of Transport and Logistic Services and Chairman of GACA, Eng. Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser. The delegation also includes His Excellency the President of GACA, Mr. Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, along with a number of CEOs, aviation experts, and specialists from the aviation ecosystem. The event will take place from June 16 to 22, 2025. This participation aims to explore avenues for cooperation in strengthening air connectivity, fostering economic growth, and identifying promising opportunities aligned with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. It also seeks to deepen relationships with leading global aviation and aerospace companies, promote the development of new air routes, and highlight attractive investment opportunities in the Kingdom’s aviation sector as part of the National Aviation Strategy. The Saudi aviation ecosystem’s participation underscores the role of the civil aviation sector as a key driver of the national economy and a gateway for investment. It also offers a platform to gain insight into the latest innovations in global aviation technologies and to explore strategic partnerships with leading French and international manufacturers and institutions, strengthening the Kingdom’s position as a regional and global aviation hub. As part of its agenda at the show, the Saudi delegation—led by GACA—will organize the Saudi-French Aviation Roundtable, bringing together key industry stakeholders to exchange expertise and showcase the Kingdom’s investment opportunities in this vital and rapidly growing sector. It is worth noting that the Paris Air Show – Le Bourget is one of the most prestigious air shows in the world, attracting thousands of participants from the aviation, aerospace, and defense industries. The show provides a platform for companies to showcase new products and innovations, highlight advancements in technology, and exchange knowledge amid the global surge in demand for aviation in the coming years.

As pilgrims depart Makkah, the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) continues its specialized inspection and control efforts, diligently monitoring the quality of services provided by airports, carriers, and other service providers. This dedicated team aims to ensure outstanding experiences and enhance pilgrim satisfaction. Leveraging its regulatory and supervisory role, GACA conducts round-the-clock inspection tours at airports, which serve as the first impression for pilgrims. These tours ensure the application of the highest standards and the availability of high-quality facilities and services, significantly contributing to pilgrims' comfort and addressing any challenges they may encounter. GACA's oversight involves four key phases: inspecting airport readiness for both arrival and departure; analyzing 31 performance indicators in real-time to measure wait times and satisfaction, then sharing observations with relevant authorities for immediate corrective action; preparing a post-season report detailing challenges, improvement opportunities, and lessons learned; and collaborating with airports to develop action plans for future seasons based on observations. Throughout all phases year-round, GACA addresses passenger complaints, suggestions, and inquiries, while also educating them on their rights and responsibilities via official communication channels.