The Future Aviation Forum 2024 in Riyadh witnessed 47 deals valued at $19 billion. These deals covered various sectors like air services, aircraft orders, and technology collaborations. Saudia Airlines stole the spotlight by announcing its plan to purchase 105 Airbus A320-Neo and A321-Neo aircraft. This announcement marked a significant moment in the event. Over 5,000 attendees from 100 countries gathered in Riyadh to witness this historic occasion.
Hosted by Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), the forum also saw the signing of Air Service Agreements with Mozambique, Eswatini, Cambodia, and Brunei Darussalam. Additionally, GACA released its inaugural State of Aviation report, revealing the sector’s substantial contribution of $53 billion to the country’s economy and support for around 958,000 jobs nationwide.
GACA launched its General Aviation Roadmap, with ambitious plans to expand Saudi Arabia’s business jet and private industry tenfold to $2 billion by 2030. This initiative includes the establishment of six dedicated general aviation airports and nine terminals, expected to generate 35,000 new jobs. Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistics, Saleh Al Jasser, highlighted the significant opportunities being created for the private sector and the job prospects for Saudi citizens. GACA President Abdulaziz Al-Duailej expressed satisfaction with the success of the forum’s first day, citing commercial deals, policy initiatives, and agreements aimed at enhancing global connectivity.
The event featured distinguished speakers such as Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Saudi minister of tourism, along with transport ministers from Malaysia, Lithuania, and Tunisia. Executives from leading aviation companies like Saudia, Riyadh Air, Airbus, and Boeing also participated. Organized by GACA, the Future Aviation Forum 2024 commenced on May 20, under the theme “Enhancing the Level of Global Connectivity,” and will continue until May 22.
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