Saudi Vision 2030 shaping the country's position in global aviation
Saudi Arabia’s civil aviation sector has
experienced unprecedented growth and transformation under the framework of
Vision 2030, according to the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA)’s 2024
Annual Report.
GACA President Abdulaziz Al-Duailej praised the
"remarkable progress" achieved over the past nine years, noting that
93% of Vision 2030’s targets have already been met. He highlighted the civil
aviation sector’s evolution into a competitive global player, thanks to the
continued support of the Kingdom’s leadership.
“Vision 2030 has positioned Saudi Arabia as a
global aviation hub, enhancing its regional and international standing,” said
Al-Duailej.
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Key Achievements in 2024:
- Passenger Growth: Over 128 million travelers
passed through Saudi airports.
- Flight Volume: Flights exceeded 905,000.
- Air Cargo: Handled more than 1.2 million tons.
- Global Ranking: Saudi Arabia now ranks 17th
globally in IATA’s Air Connectivity Index, surpassing its 2024 target.
Saudi airports and national carriers also earned
top placements in various global performance metrics, reinforcing the Kingdom’s
reputation for aviation excellence.
Workforce Development and Inclusion
The "Localisation of Aviation Jobs"
initiative exceeded expectations, employing 14,317 Saudi nationals—124% of the
2025 target—with a focus on leadership and technical roles across airlines,
airports, and ground services. Female representation in leadership rose to 17%,
signaling significant progress in gender inclusion.
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Innovation and Infrastructure Expansion
GACA launched a trial air taxi service during the
1445 AH Hajj season and licensed several emerging aviation technologies. Major
infrastructure projects advanced across the Kingdom, including:
- Privatization of airports and transfer to
Airports Holding Company
- Master plans unveiled for King Salman
International Airport and the new Abha International Airport
- Launch of Integrated Logistics Zone
in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s first of its kind
- Expansion of Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz
International Airport (Madinah), and new terminals at Jeddah’s King
Abdulaziz International Airport and Taif
International Airport
- Upgrades at Qassim, Al-Ahsa, NEOM Bay, Red
Sea, Arar, and Al Qaisumah airports
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Strategic Growth: Riyadh Air and Aircraft
Orders
Saudi Arabia also marked the launch of Riyadh Air,
the Kingdom’s new national carrier, and signed purchase agreements for 548
aircraft, signaling long-term investment in global connectivity and fleet
expansion.
“Since the launch of the National Aviation
Strategy, the Kingdom has witnessed rapid and strategic progress across every
facet of the civil aviation sector,” Al-Duailej concluded.
These milestones reflect the Kingdom’s broader
goal under Vision 2030 to become a global logistics and transport hub, while
fostering innovation, sustainability, and economic diversification.
Source: Times Aerospace
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