Saudi Arabia prepares to unveil its ambitious plans for the general aviation sector during the upcoming Future Aviation Forum 2024, scheduled from May 20th to 22nd. Under the patronage of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the forum is themed "Elevating Global Connectivity."
Elevating Saudi Arabia's General Aviation Sector
Saudi Arabia is on the brink of unveiling strategies aimed at enhancing the contribution of the general aviation sector to the nation's GDP, with a targeted increase to $2 billion. The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) is gearing up to introduce the General Aviation Roadmap during the imminent Future Aviation Forum 2024. Scheduled from May 20th to 22nd, this forum, held under the auspices of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, will focus on the theme "Elevating Global Connectivity."
The General Aviation Roadmap
The core objective of this roadmap is to exponentially escalate the general aviation sector's economic input, aiming for tenfold growth to attain the $2 billion milestone by 2030. This comprehensive plan encompasses various aspects of the business aircraft sector, which includes private charter flights and corporate aviation. It seeks to provide support to aircraft owners, investors, operators, and service providers alike.
Additionally, this roadmap is poised to fortify Saudi Arabia's position as a premier destination for both business and tourism. This strategic move aligns with the nation's revised tourism target, which was adjusted in October 2023. The new goal aims to attract 150 million visitors by the end of the decade, a significant increase from the previously set target of 100 million.
Abdulaziz Al Duailej, President of GACA, underscored the pivotal role of the general aviation sector in nurturing high-value segments of the Saudi economy, particularly tourism, business events, and entertainment. He emphasized that the implementation of the General Aviation Roadmap will be instrumental in propelling the sector forward within the Kingdom. This will be achieved through various means, including infrastructure development, legislative regulation enhancements, and the augmentation of services offered in the market.
The announcement of this roadmap comes on the heels of recent initiatives undertaken by GACA to invigorate the general aviation sector. In October 2023, the authority lifted restrictions on "empty-leg" flights, streamlined economic licenses for air transport operations, and relaxed requirements for airport operators and investors.
As the Future Aviation Forum approaches, anticipation is building for a global summit that will bring together over 5,000 aviation leaders from more than 100 countries. This gathering will see the participation of ministers, manufacturers, airline representatives, and airport executives, facilitating crucial discussions, announcements, agreements, and deals.
Dedicated sessions during the forum will delve deeper into the intricacies of the general aviation sector, shed light on its significance, and explore avenues for further development and collaboration.
