The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) of Saudi Arabia is set to unveil its General Aviation Roadmap during the forthcoming Future Aviation Forum 2024. Scheduled from May 20-22 under the banner “Elevating Global Connectivity,” the forum aims to outline strategies for amplifying the general aviation sector’s impact on the national GDP. The roadmap targets a substantial increase in economic contributions, aspiring to boost sector value to $2 billion by 2030—an ambitious tenfold increase. The initiative will cover aspects of the business aircraft sector, including private charter flights and corporate aviation, focusing on enhancing support for aircraft owners, investors, operators, and service providers. This strategic plan is poised to bolster Saudi Arabia’s stature as a leading hub for business and tourism.
In a related development, Saudi Arabia adjusted its national tourism goals in October 2023, setting a new target of drawing 150 million visitors by 2030, up from the prior aim of 100 million visitors. In an effort to enhance the general aviation sector, GACA recently implemented several significant measures. These include the removal of restrictions on “empty-leg” flights, the easing of economic licensing for air transport operations, and the loosening of requirements for airport operators and investors.
The Future Aviation Forum promises to be a pivotal international gathering, expected to attract over 5,000 leaders from the aviation community across more than 100 countries. The event will feature high-level participation from government ministers, manufacturing executives, airline representatives, and airport chiefs. It will host critical discussions, announcements, and agreements focused on this vital segment of the aviation industry.
