Latest news with #AbdulazizAlDuailej
Zawya
3 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Saudi Arabia, Panama sign air services agreement
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, reported SPA. 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.
Arab News
3 days ago
- Business
- Arab News
Saudi Arabia, Panama sign air transport agreement to strengthen global connectivity
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia and Panama have signed a bilateral air services agreement to enhance air connectivity between the two countries and expand access to global aviation markets. The deal was signed during the 55th edition of the Paris Air Show by Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, president of the General Authority of Civil Aviation, and establishes a regulatory framework for safe, efficient, and fair air services, according to the Saudi Press Agency. The deal reflects the Kingdom's broader efforts to expand its global aviation footprint in line with Vision 2030. As part of its National Aviation Strategy, the country is building international partnerships, strengthening regulatory frameworks, and increasing air connectivity to link to 250 global destinations and transport 330 million passengers annually by 2030. The new agreement complements the 1944 Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation, the legal foundation for global air travel. It includes provisions on traffic rights, airline designation, and licensing, as well as the enforcement of international safety and security standards. It is also designed to promote fair competition and support the long-term commercial interests of national carriers in both countries. The deal aims to serve the common economic interests of national carriers and enhance their participation in the air transport market by applying modern market-entry models and supporting all forms of air traffic, SPA reported. 'The organization's participation aims to highlight the role of the civil aviation sector in the Kingdom as an important driver of the national economy, the promising investment opportunities it offers, and to learn more about the latest innovative global technologies in the sector,' the report added. Saudi Arabia, represented by GACA, concluded its participation at the Paris Air Show with a wider range of strategic announcements aimed at bolstering its aviation sector. Key outcomes included a memorandum of understanding with Airbus on environmental sustainability and aviation safety, a leasing deal for 77 new aircraft by Avilease, and Riyadh Air's order for 50 Airbus A350-1000 jets, increasing its future fleet to 182 aircraft in line with Vision 2030's goal of positioning Riyadh as a global air hub. The Saudi delegation was led by Saleh Al-Jasser, minister of transport and logistic services and chairman of GACA, accompanied by GACA president and senior executives from across the Kingdom's aviation ecosystem. Their participation focused on strengthening partnerships with leading aerospace companies, attracting investment into the Saudi aviation sector, and advancing bilateral cooperation. During the show, Al-Jasser and the delegation toured various pavilions showcasing innovations in advanced air mobility, aerospace, sustainability, and smart manufacturing. They observed emerging solutions featuring high levels of automation and digitization across both commercial and military aircraft. In addition to the MoU with Airbus, the show saw key commercial signings. Avilease, a Public Investment Fund-owned leasing firm, agreed to purchase 77 new-generation aircraft, including A350 freighters and A320 narrow-body jets. Riyadh Air confirmed an order for 50 A350-1000 aircraft, part of its plan to turn Riyadh into a global aviation hub. A separate agreement was signed between Cluster 2 Airports Co. and Airbus to explore collaboration opportunities in training, development, and investment. Al-Duailej also met with several global aviation leaders, including Damien Caze, director general of the French Civil Aviation Authority; Arjan Meijer, CEO of Embraer; and Bahrain's Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications Sheikh Abdulla Al-Khalifa, to discuss regional cooperation. The Kingdom's presence at the Paris Air Show underscored its commitment to civil aviation as a driver of economic growth, innovation, and international connectivity. The event is one of the world's most prominent in the aerospace industry, attracting thousands of participants and showcasing the latest in aviation, defense, and space technologies.
Trade Arabia
07-04-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Riyadh Air gets licence to launch inaugural flights
Saudi Arabia's General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has officially granted an Air Operator's Certificate (AOC) to Riyadh Air, a newly-launched Saudi carrier, authorising the airline to start commercial flight operations. The issuance of the AOC confirms the Riyadh Air's full compliance with Saudi Arabia's aviation regulations, international standards, and flight safety requirements under the Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation. This milestone follows GACA's comprehensive audit of the airline's technical and aircraft systems, operational readiness, equipment, and the qualifications of both flight and ground personnel. The certification was officially handed over to Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas by President of GACA Abdulaziz Al Duailej at a ceremony held in the presence of Saleh Al Jasser, the Minister of Transport and Logistics and Chairman of the GACA Board. Al Duailej said GACA's issuance of the Air Operator Certificate to Riyadh Air marks a significant milestone within the framework of the Saudi Aviation Strategy. "Riyadh Air will enhance competition, offer greater value and choices for travelers, and improve connectivity both domestically and globally," he added. Riyadh Air is projected to fly to more than 100 destinations by 2030, supported by an order of over 132 aircraft. The airline is expected to create more than 200,000 direct and indirect jobs and contribute approximately $19.9 billion to the Kingdom's non-oil GDP. This operational license follows the earlier issuance of an Economic License to Riyadh Air in June 2023. On the milestone, Douglas said: "Obtaining the AOC is an important milestone in the company's journey. It is the result of the efforts of many employees at Riyadh Air. Today, we can proudly say that Riyadh Air is now an airline with an operational license to transport our traveling guests, and we are ready to begin operations later in 2025." According to him, the licensing process involved several key phases, including initial consultations, submission of the formal application, review of operational documentation, on-site inspections, and final approvals. The process extended over 11 months and was overseen by a dedicated team of 10 Saudi aviation safety inspectors and technical experts from GACA, who conducted over 200 hours of test flights to ensure full compliance with the highest operational standards, he added. The awarding of Riyadh Air's License comes amid a period of record-breaking momentum for Saudi Arabia's aviation sector. In 2024, the number of passengers rose by 15% to exceed 128 million – approcimately 25% above pre-pandemic levels. The number of flights increased by 11% to reach over 905,000. Additionally, the air connectivity grew by 16%, linking the kingdom to more than 170 destinations around the world. The air cargo sector also experienced exceptional growth, recording a 34% increase to reach 1.2 million tons in total volume for the year. The AOC is a foundational pillar of the Kingdom's aviation strategy, which aims to position Saudi Arabia as the Middle East's leading aviation hub by 2030. According to GACA, the strategy includes transforming the Kingdom into a global logistics hub, upporting tourism objectives, and establishing Riyadh as a global gateway and central hub for transportation, trade, and tourism. Riyadh Air plans to operate flights to over 100 international destinations by 2030, with orders for over 132 aircraft, it added. -TradeArabia News Service
