The Future Aviation Forum, organized by General Authority for Civil Aviation, launched Monday under the patronage of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, set to last for three days at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh.
Minister of Transport and Logistic Services, Eng. Saleh Al-Jasser, affirmed in inaugural speech that Saudi Arabia seeks to enhance its investments in the transport and logistics sector by more than USD 100 billion, transport 300 million passengers and five million tons of goods, as well as connect with 250 destinations around the world by the end of the current decade, as reported by the state-run news agency (SPA).
He added that it is scheduled to launch aviation companies, and develop airport facilities through two headquarters based in Riyadh and Jeddah. Minister Al-Jasser indicated that ministry has transformed more than 25 airports into holding companies to be ready for privatization, in addition to approving hundreds of applications for airplanes and opening new destinations for several countries.
On his part, President of General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) Abdulaziz Al-Duailej stressed that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia sees it is time to put a limit to economic hardships facing the international aviation sector. The president noted that the global economy relies on itself in the international and local aviation industry, adding that the industry, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, has offered USD 1 trillion of economic activity.
He also pointed out that the authority, in cooperation with leading industrial authorities across the world, sought to realize the harmonious air travel policy required for the industry’s operation in times of future health emergencies in various fields.
A total of 60 countries are participating in the forum with over 2,000 participants and more than 4,000 people who registered in the forum’s events. The forum focuses on three main aspects of innovation, growth and sustainability, which are essential and effective aspects in the civil aviation sector.
Participating in the forum are civil aviation sector representatives, and high-level aviation officials from various countries and organizations, as well as more than 120 speakers and 40 sessions. – KUNA
