Saudi-UK aviation ties set for growth amid investment push
JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia aims to strengthen aviation ties with the UK as officials from both countries met to boost investment and collaboration, amid the Kingdom's push to upgrade its airports and expand global connectivity.
A senior Saudi delegation, led by Mohammed bin Fahd Al-Khuraisi, executive vice president for strategy and business intelligence at the General Authority of Civil Aviation, participated in a Saudi-British roundtable in London, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The meeting, which brought together top British aviation companies, CEOs, and experts, focused on enhancing strategic cooperation and unlocking new opportunities in the aviation sector, aligned with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goals.
These initiatives align with Saudi Arabia's National Aviation Strategy, which aims to double passengers capacity to 330 million annually, increase air cargo capacity to 4.5 million tonnes, and expand connectivity to over 250 destinations worldwide.
In his speech, Al-Khuraisi highlighted the UK's role as a key European market for Saudi Arabia, with passenger traffic between the two nations more than doubling in 2024 to 1.338 million, compared to 2022. This surge in demand underscores the need for continued investments in aviation infrastructure and international partnerships.
The two nations maintain strong trade and cultural ties, with Al-Khuraisi highlighting that in December, both countries agreed to increase bilateral trade to $37.5 billion by 2030, underscoring the value of their relations and mutual economic benefits.
He also noted the success of the trade partnership, with over 1,000 British companies holding investment licenses in Saudi Arabia and 55 firms, including BAE Systems and Rolls-Royce, operating regional headquarters in the Kingdom.
The Saudi delegation showcased the Kingdom's aviation ecosystem, highlighting ongoing infrastructure projects, digital transformation efforts, and investment opportunities, including Riyadh Air's launch and the King Salman International Airport master plan.
The presentation also detailed investment prospects in Saudi airports, covering implementation strategies, funding volumes, business opportunities, and incentives for investors.
Concluding his speech, Al-Khuraisi invited UK investors and aviation leaders to seize new opportunities for collaboration, further strengthening the global aviation sector.
The Saudi delegation also participated in the Civil Aviation Supply Forum, engaging with representatives from the British Aviation Group, UK Air Navigation Services, the UK Civil Aviation Authority, and other global aviation companies.
The meetings, attended by British government officials and Saudi embassy representatives, focused on investment opportunities in civil aviation and airport development.
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