Montreal: In a groundbreaking event hosted by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), His Excellency Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) of Saudi Arabia, delivered the opening keynote address at the inaugural Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Symposium. In his address, Al-Duailej called upon global aviation leaders to collaborate in delivering a new era of aviation, underscoring the need for accelerated, safe deployment of AAM technologies.
A Call to Action for Global Cooperation
Saudi Arabia was chosen to lead the opening keynote at the symposium, which brought together aviation leaders from over 75 countries to discuss the future of AAM. The GACA President, also Chair of the Arab Civil Aviation Organization (ACAO), emphasized the importance of international regulatory cooperation for seamless integration of AAM into the current aviation ecosystem.
“This gathering is not just another milestone; it is a beacon lighting the path toward a new era in aviation. Saudi Arabia is dedicated to building a future where Advanced Air Mobility is a cornerstone of global connectivity and economic growth,” said Al-Duailej.
Redefining Aviation for the Future
ICAO Council President Salvatore Sciacchitano echoed these sentiments, stating that AAM represents a paradigm shift in how we conceive aviation and urban transportation. This symposium marks the first step in creating a collective vision for the AAM ecosystem, which includes technological advancements such as vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft aimed at reducing urban congestion and emissions.
Saudi Arabia’s Role in AAM Development
Saudi Arabia has made significant strides in AAM development, releasing a roadmap for AAM earlier this year and conducting air taxi trials in NEOM and Makkah during the Hajj pilgrimage. This pioneering work was further recognized when students from KAUST won the ICAO Global AAM Academic Paper Competition at the event, underscoring the Kingdom’s commitment to research and innovation in this space.
In addition to its AAM initiatives, GACA held bilateral meetings with various global aviation authorities to strengthen international collaboration. The Saudi delegation also visited BETA Technologies in Vermont, USA, to explore the latest innovations in sustainable aviation.
Transforming Aviation in Saudi Arabia
The Saudi Aviation Strategy is reshaping the Kingdom’s aviation sector under the Vision 2030 framework. With a goal of becoming the leading aviation hub in the Middle East, the strategy includes $100 billion in investment across airports, airlines, and support services. The strategy will also triple Saudi Arabia’s annual passenger traffic, expand air cargo capacity, and establish global long-haul connecting hubs.
