Saudi Arabia Set to Unveil $2 Billion General Aviation Roadmap at Future Aviation Forum

Saudi Arabia is poised to introduce a comprehensive General Aviation Roadmap at the upcoming Future Aviation Forum 2024, slated to take place from May 20th to 22nd. Under the theme “Elevating Global Connectivity” and held under the patronage of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the forum aims to chart a path for the significant expansion of the general aviation sector in the kingdom.

The primary objective of the roadmap is to substantially boost the contribution of the general aviation sector to the GDP, with a target of reaching $2 billion by 2030. Encompassing various segments such as business aircraft, private charter flights, and corporate aviation, the roadmap seeks to support stakeholders including aircraft owners, investors, operators, and service providers.

By enhancing the infrastructure, improving legislative regulations, and enhancing market services, the roadmap aims to elevate Saudi Arabia’s standing as a premier destination for both business and tourism. This initiative aligns with the country’s revised national tourism target, which aims to attract 150 million visitors by 2030.

Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, president of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), underscored the importance of the general aviation sector in driving key segments of the Saudi economy, such as tourism and business events. He emphasized that the General Aviation Roadmap will play a pivotal role in advancing the sector by focusing on infrastructure development and regulatory enhancements.

The announcement of the roadmap follows recent initiatives by GACA to bolster the general aviation sector, including the removal of restrictions on “empty-leg” flights and simplification of economic licenses for air transport operations. These measures, coupled with the upcoming Future Aviation Forum, are poised to position Saudi Arabia as a global leader in the aviation industry, attracting leaders and stakeholders from around the world to discuss critical developments and opportunities in the sector.