Saudi Arabia has expanded its international aviation network by signing 17 new bilateral agreements and memoranda of understanding (MOUs) with nations around the world.
The signings concluded the 42nd General Assembly of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), held in Montreal Sept. 23-Oct. 3. The deals aim to boost bilateral cooperation in air transport, develop regulatory and legislative frameworks for civil aviation, increase international air connectivity, and reinforce aviation safety and security.
They are also expected to support economic growth and boost tourism, supporting Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become a global logistics hub under its Vision 2030 plan.
Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, minister of transport and logistic services and chairman of the board of directors of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), signed bilateral air transport agreements with Antigua and Barbuda and South Africa.
Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, president of GACA, signed an MOU with the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) to promote technical cooperation in infrastructure operations, modernization, and development.
The agreement also includes the exchange of expertise and best practices based on mutual benefit and in accordance with the laws and regulations of Saudi Arabia and AFCAC member states.
In addition, Al-Duailej signed operational and cooperative MOUs and bilateral agreements with Brazil, Algeria, Belarus, Guinea, São Tomé and Príncipe, Liberia, Georgia, the Union of the Comoros, and Seychelles. Agreements were also finalized with China, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, and Saint Lucia.
Concluding the event, Saudi Arabia reaffirmed its goal to reach 330 million passengers annually by 2030, double its number of international travel destinations to over 250, and increase air cargo capacity to 4.5 million tons annually.
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