The Future Aviation Forum 2024, hosted by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) from May 20 to 22 in Riyadh, concluded with remarkable achievements under the banner “Elevating Global Connectivity.” This third annual forum marked a significant milestone with the signing of 102 agreements, memoranda of understanding (MOUs), and deals, including 16 pivotal agreements for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, poised to significantly impact the global aviation sector.
GACA President Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej extended his gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and HRH the Crown Prince for their unwavering support of the civil aviation sector. This year’s conference, inaugurated by the Minister of Transport and Logistics and GACA Chairman, Engineer Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, saw unprecedented high-level participation. Over 8,500 global aviation experts and leaders, including 31 ministers and 77 civil aviation authority heads from 130 countries, gathered to discuss and shape the future of aviation.
During the event, Eng. Al-Jasser signed numerous cooperation agreements and records of discussions with countries including Mozambique, Kiribati, the Kingdom of Eswatini, and Cambodia. These agreements aim to advance air transport systems and reinforce Saudi Arabia’s position as a global logistics hub, aligning with Vision 2030’s strategic goals.
Additionally, President Al-Duailej signed MOUs with Brunei Darussalam, Grenada, Malawi, Lithuania, El Salvador, Uzbekistan, and Romania, fostering strategic partnerships to innovate and develop modern aviation transport methods. A notable memorandum with the Latin American Civil Aviation Commission (LACAC) aims to enhance cooperation in civil aviation.
Several other agreements were inked to promote innovation and operational efficiency, including a partnership with Elm to leverage the latest technologies and AI, and an agreement with the General Authority for Survey and Geospatial Information to advance geospatial applications in airspace management. Another MOU with the Environment Fund aims to promote eco-friendly practices and support environmental sustainability research.
In a significant move to attract international investment, GACA granted an economic license to Saudi Jet Gourmet to provide catering services at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, and signed an MOU with COMAC to localize the aviation industry and enhance the local supply chain.
Further cooperation agreements included regulatory frameworks for air transport between Saudi Arabia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, automation of transit shipment processes through the “Washaj” electronic platform with Elm, and several MOUs focused on environmental sustainability, such as with the National Center for Vegetation Development and the Regional Voluntary Carbon Market Company.
Riyadh concurrently hosted the Airports Council International (ACI) Asia-Pacific & Middle East / ACI World Annual General Assembly, Conference, and Exhibition (WAGA 2024), organized by Riyadh Airports Company. This prestigious event featured the presence of ICAO Council President Salvatore Sciacchitano and numerous aviation sector leaders and CEOs, further highlighting the Kingdom’s growing influence in the global aviation industry.