Latest news with #SaudiAviationStrategy
Travel Daily News
12-05-2025
- Business
- Travel Daily News
RX to launch inter aviation Arabia in Riyadh in February 2026
inter aviation Arabia will spotlight Saudi Arabia's aviation ambitions as the Kingdom targets 330 million passengers annually by 2030. RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – RX, a global leader in events and exhibitions and the team behind industry flagships such as inter airport Europe and The Airport Show, Dubai, has announced the launch of inter aviation Arabia, scheduled to take place in Riyadh in February 2026. The event aims to become one of the leading platforms for the aviation industry in the Middle East, significantly contributing to advancing Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and its transformation into a global aviation and logistics hub. According to the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), the Saudi Aviation Strategy is backed by US$100 billion in investments and aims to enhance the Kingdom's connectivity to over 250 destinations across 29 airports and accommodate 330 million passengers annually by 2030. Vasyl Zhygalo, Managing Director, Middle East and Emerging Markets, RX, said: 'inter aviation Arabia is launching during a significant period of transformation in the aviation sector, both regionally and globally. Our aim is to establish a platform that fosters strategic dialogue, investment, and innovation, ultimately driving meaningful outcomes for the industry while supporting Saudi Arabia's goals of becoming a global aviation hub. We look forward to providing the industry with more details in the coming months'. The event will focus on four key pillars: airport investments, infrastructure, equipment, and airline route development. Together, these pillars represent the essential components of a modern and resilient aviation ecosystem. As global air travel continues to grow, advancements in ground support technology, terminal automation, and sustainable operations are transforming equipment standards. Meanwhile, infrastructure and route development remain crucial for capacity expansion and operational efficiency. With optimal conditions for commercial engagement and market growth, inter aviation Arabia will draw a high-quality international audience of decision-makers, including executives from airports and airlines, air cargo carriers, and aviation technology providers. Attendees can expect a world-class showcase of products, live technology demonstrations, and an extensive programme of technical seminars that explore the latest developments in aviation efficiency and innovation. 'inter aviation Arabia leverages RX's vast aviation event expertise, enhancing its dedication to connecting industry leaders with new opportunities in both emerging and established markets,' added Zhygalo.
Arabian Business
02-05-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Saudi Arabia opens domestic aviation to international charter operators, boosting private jet sector
Saudi Arabia officially opened its domestic aviation market to international charter flight operators by removing cabotage restrictions on charter flight operations. The move, announced by the country's General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), comes amidst several international business and private jet operators already applying for permits to operate flights within the Kingdom. The decision, effective from May 1, 2025, marks a major milestone in GACA's strategy to transform Saudi Arabia into a global aviation hub and drive growth of the private aviation and business jet sector. #الطيران_المدني السماح للشركات الأجنبية المشغلة للطائرات الخاصة (بالطلب) بنقل الركاب داخليًا في المملكة 🛩️. — هيئة الطيران المدني (@ksagaca) February 4, 2025 Imtiyaz Manzary, General Manager for General Aviation at GACA, said the regulator is excited to welcome international operators to fly within Saudi Arabia. 'This policy change will build real opportunities for growth, create jobs, and make the Kingdom a more connected, accessible place for business and private travel. 'We believe this step will unlock huge potential for operators and passengers alike,' he said. This policy change is a key pillar of the general aviation roadmap, first announced in May 2024, which outlines a comprehensive plan to develop the private aviation sector into a $2 billion industry by 2030. In addition to regulatory reforms like lifting cabotage and removing empty-leg restrictions, the roadmap includes major infrastructure investments across the Kingdom. Since the initial announcement of the cabotage removal in February, GACA has received several applications from international and regional operators expressing interest in entering the Saudi market. This early momentum reflects growing investor confidence in the Kingdom's aviation vision and the attractiveness of its evolving general aviation landscape. The opening of the domestic charter market supports Saudi Arabia's broader Vision 2030 and Saudi Aviation Strategy objectives, positioning the Kingdom as a more open, competitive, and investor-friendly destination for aviation.
Zawya
01-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Saudi Arabia officially opens domestic aviation market to international charter flight operators
Riyadh – Saudi Arabia's General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has officially removed cabotage restrictions on charter flight operations, with several international business and private jet operators already applying for permits to operate flights within the Kingdom. The decision, effective 1 May 2025, marks a major milestone in GACA's strategy to transform Saudi Arabia into a global aviation hub and drive growth of the private aviation and business jet sector. Imtiyaz Manzary, General Manager for General Aviation at GACA, said: 'GACA is excited to welcome international operators to fly within Saudi Arabia. This policy change will build real opportunities for growth, create jobs, and make the Kingdom a more connected, accessible place for business and private travel. We believe this step will unlock huge potential for operators and passengers alike.' This policy change is a key pillar of the General Aviation Roadmap, first announced in May 2024, which outlines a comprehensive plan to develop the private aviation sector into a $2 billion industry by 2030. In addition to regulatory reforms like lifting cabotage and removing empty-leg restrictions, the roadmap includes major infrastructure investments across the Kingdom. Since the initial announcement of the cabotage removal in February, GACA has received several applications from international and regional operators expressing interest in entering the Saudi market. This early momentum reflects growing investor confidence in the Kingdom's aviation vision and the attractiveness of its evolving general aviation landscape. The opening of the domestic charter market supports Saudi Arabia's broader Vision 2030 and Saudi Aviation Strategy objectives, positioning the Kingdom as a more open, competitive, and investor-friendly destination for aviation. About the Saudi Aviation Strategy and General Authority for Civil Aviation (GACA): The Saudi Aviation Strategy is transforming the entire Saudi aviation ecosystem to become the number one aviation sector in the Middle East by 2030, enabled by Vision 2030 and in line with the Kingdom's National Transport and Logistics Strategy. The Strategy is unlocking US$100 billion in private and government investment across the Kingdom's airports, airlines, and aviation support services. The Strategy will extend Saudi Arabia's connectivity across 29 airports, triple annual passenger traffic, establish two global long-haul connecting hubs, and increase air cargo capacity. The Saudi Aviation Strategy is led by the Kingdom's aviation regulator, the General Authority for Civil Aviation (GACA). GACA's regulatory mission is to develop the air transport industry in accordance with the latest international standards, strengthen the position of the Kingdom as a globally influential player in civil aviation, and enforce the relevant rules, regulations, and procedures to ensure air transport safety and security, and sustainability.
Leaders
30-04-2025
- Business
- Leaders
Saudi Aviation Soars High with Record Q1 2025 Passenger Numbers
Saudi Arabia's General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has announced record-breaking passenger growth for the first quarter of 2025. Passenger numbers were up 8% to 34.9 million between January and March, marking a significant increase given the month of Ramadan fell during the quarter. Twenty-one airlines entered the Saudi market over the past year, including China Eastern, Virgin Atlantic, Italia Trasporto Aereo (ITA Airways), Eurowings and Air China. More than twenty new routes were established to destinations such as Rome, Hong Kong, and Beijing. The Committee meeting also featured GACA's award of a ground handling license to Swissport, expanding the company's ground handling operations from Riyadh and Jeddah to include Taif, Hail, Sakaka, Yanbu, Tabuk, Abha and Jazan regional airports. Vision 2030 and Future Plans Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, GACA President, commented on the announcements: 'The Saudi Aviation Strategy is delivering aviation transformation in support of Vision 2030. The attraction of airlines and ground service suppliers to Saudi Arabia reflects the unprecedented growth opportunities in the Kingdom, and GACA's commitment to enhancing competition, choice and value for passengers.' The 16th Steering Committee meeting, sponsored by Jedco, brought together sector leaders to review progress and updates on the Saudi Aviation Strategy's implementation, particularly in connectivity and aviation projects, and to review the successes of Q1 2025 and planning for the upcoming Hajj season. Investing in Aviation Infrastructure Saudi Arabia is investing significantly in aviation infrastructure to compete with other aviation hubs in the Middle East. The Kingdom also placed a significant aircraft order with Boeing recently for 39 Boeing 787-9 aircraft for Riyadh Air, with future options for an additional 33 more. Together with the planes for Suadia, Boeing received a massive order for 121 Dreamliners for the two carriers. Saudi Arabia's aviation sector continues to grow and thrive, with record-breaking passenger numbers and significant investments in infrastructure and new routes. The Kingdom's commitment to enhancing competition, choice, and value for passengers is evident in its recent achievements and future plans. Short link : Post Views: 23
Arab News
29-04-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Saudia Cargo, Henan Aviation Group ink deal to bolster routes between Riyadh, Zhengzhou
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia and China are strengthening their air cargo cooperation through a new agreement to create a joint freight hub as part of the Air Silk Road initiative. The deal, inked between Saudia Cargo and Henan Aviation Group, will see new new routes opened between Riyadh and Zhengzhou, according to a statement. This correlates with the Saudi Aviation Strategy, which recognizes the need to increase air connectivity with key markets such as China as part of the Kingdom's goal of transporting 4.5 million tonnes of air cargo by 2030. The statement further highlighted that the agreement aims to 'support integrated logistics services and free trade zone development' and 'advance sustainability and cross-border e-commerce through logistics innovation.' It also seeks to explore investment opportunities in the high-tech and aviation sectors in Zhengzhou. The MoU came during a meeting held by President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej in Riyadh with Henan Province Vice Governor Sun Shougang to bolster investments between the two countries, the Saudi Press Agency reported. During the discussion, the two sides discussed strengthening economic relations, focusing on fostering high-quality investments for leading firms and empowering the private sector to seize available opportunities. Both parties also explored enhancing Saudi-Chinese air transport in alignment with Vision 2030 and the Saudi Aviation Strategy. GACA also held a Saudi-Chinese roundtable to explore collaboration opportunities in logistics zones and air cargo. The meeting included the Chairman of China Henan Aviation Group, along with representatives from national carriers and logistics firms. The roundtable also included various Saudi government entities, such as the Ministry of Energy, the Ministry of Investment, and the Ministry of Transport and Logistic Services, as well as the Saudi General Authority of Foreign Trade, the Economic Cities and Special Zones Authority, the Industrial Center, and the Air Connectivity Program. The Chinese delegation conducted a field visit to the Special Integrated Logistics Zone in Riyadh and the cargo zones at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, where they observed operational capabilities, cargo-handling facilities and zones, e-commerce shipments, and the digital capabilities and mechanisms in use. The delegation also visited King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, where they toured the Airport Operations Control Center to observe the services provided as well as explored the commercial areas, and duty-free store. China's COSCO Shipping unveils Dammam office Chinese company COSCO Shipping has launched its first office in the Kingdom in Dammam in an attempt to enhance operational efficiency and logistical connectivity. This move also strengthens the firm's partnership with the Saudi Ports Authority, or Mawani, supports trade growth, and achieves the goals of the nation's Vision 2030 of consolidating the Kingdom's position as a global logistics hub. Saudi NHC continues house building deal with Chinese firm Saudi Arabia's National Housing Co. has extended its partnership with China State Construction Engineering Corporation, which aims to build 20,000 housing units within NHC destinations. The partnership has been realized through the launch of multiple projects across NHC sites in the Eastern Region, Riyadh, and Jeddah, delivering over 3,800 housing units. It comes as an extension of the Saudi-Chinese partnership series and several agreements signed with Chinese firms during the official visit to China by Minister Al-Hogail and NHC CEO Mohammed bin Saleh Al-Buty. NHC stated that the partnership extends its efforts to enhance the real estate supply and inject more housing units through quality partnerships with major international companies to establish urban destinations with high-quality standards across the Kingdom.
