Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, president of the Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation, spoke about the sector's importance for economic growth and sustainable development at the Airlines Economic Growth Frontiers conference in Riyadh.

He highlighted the Kingdom's advancements in civil aviation under Vision 2030 and the National Aviation Strategy, which aims to make Saudi Arabia a leader in Middle Eastern civil aviation by enabling $100 billion in investments and leveraging private sector resources by 2030.

The text discusses a strategy to upgrade airport services, airlines, and related facilities in Saudi Arabia, with a goal to boost global air connectivity through 29 airports, increase passenger numbers, and establish the country as a leading cargo and logistics hub by 2030.

The plan emphasizes competition and efficiency to foster investment and growth, while ensuring safety, security, and sustainability.

Notable progress has been made in the aviation sector's infrastructure and performance due to initiatives launched by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA).

The text discusses several aviation initiatives in Saudi Arabia, which include massive investments to expand Abha International Airport's capacity to accommodate 10 million passengers by 2030, with 100 companies expressing interest.

Other projects mentioned are the establishment of Riyadh Air, the master plan for King Salman International Airport in Riyadh to serve 120 million passengers by 2030, and the opening of the Red Sea International Airport.

Additionally, the National Air Connectivity Program was launched to support the Kingdom's tourism and travel sectors.

The text discusses investments in renewable energy and advanced air transport in Saudi Arabia, specifically by Saudia Airlines and NEOM.

These initiatives align with regulations promoting environmental awareness and sustainable growth in the aviation sector.

Passenger traffic in the Kingdom increased by 26% last year, reaching a record 112 million travelers, and is up 20% in the first two months of 2023 compared to the same period in 2023.

Air connectivity has also increased to nearly 150 destinations, with low-cost airlines driving growth and doubling their market share between 2019 and 2023.

The AVILEASE conference, hosted by a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund, took place at the Four Seasons in Riyadh from April 22-23.

The civil aviation sector was the focus, with attendees including vice presidents of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), PIF representatives, and industry stakeholders from around the world.

The goal was to explore opportunities within the sector.