The 2024 Future Aviation Forum has successfully concluded in Riyadh, surpassing expectations with the announcement of 102 deals and agreements valued at over $21 billion. Hosted by the Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), the event saw national air service agreements, aircraft orders, and partnerships across cargo, logistics, advanced air mobility, human capability, IT, and maintenance, repair, and overhaul sectors.
More than 7,000 attendees from over 100 countries, including 31 Ministers and 77 heads of Civil Aviation Authorities, participated in the forum. Among the notable guests was International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Secretary-General Juan Carlos Salazar, who delivered the closing address.
The forum featured the launch of GACA’s inaugural State of Aviation report, highlighting the Saudi aviation sector’s $53 billion contribution to the economy and support for approximately 958,000 jobs. The event also introduced the Aviation Investment Showcase and an Advanced Air Mobility pavilion. A key highlight was Saudia Airlines’ announcement of its purchase of 105 Airbus A320-Neo and A321-Neo aircraft.
Minister of Transport and Logistics, Saleh Al Jasser, commented on the forum’s success, stating: “The Future Aviation Forum has been a resounding success, bringing together top leaders and the brightest minds from across the global aviation industry. Through our collaborative discussions, we have developed innovative solutions that will drive this vital sector forward into the future. Saudi Arabia remains committed to enabling huge opportunities for the private sector and creating thousands of jobs for our people as we continue to invest in and grow our aviation capabilities.”
GACA President HE Abdulaziz Al-Duailej echoed this sentiment, noting: “The 2024 Future Aviation Forum has been an extraordinary event, exceeding all expectations. Over the past few days, we have witnessed groundbreaking commercial agreements, forward-thinking policy initiatives, and transformative partnerships that will undoubtedly enhance global aviation connectivity. The deals and commitments made here represent a monumental vote of confidence in Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector and our vision to become a global leader in this vital industry.”
Significant agreements included Air Service Agreements between Saudi Arabia and countries such as Mozambique, Eswatini, Cambodia, Brunei Darussalam, Kiribati, Grenada, Malawi, Romania, Belize, São Tomé and Príncipe, Lithuania, El Salvador, and Albania.
Day two of the event featured a special address from HE Dr Abdullah Al Rabeeah of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre, emphasising aviation’s critical role in distributing foreign aid to disaster zones. He also announced a proposal to launch a UN Global Aid Aviation Council.
The forum was supported by a variety of related events, creating a Festival of Aviation in Riyadh. These included the Airports Council International World Annual General Assembly, the ICAO Facilitation Summit, the Seventh Meeting of ICAO’s Directors General of Civil Aviation-Middle East Region, the Middle East and North Africa Air Regional Safety and Oversight Organization, the Fourth Edition of the Saudi Airports Awards, and the first Arab Civil Aviation Organization Security Forum.
Notable speakers included the Saudi Minister of Tourism, HE Ahmed Al Khateeb, HE Dr Abdullah Al Rabeeah, and Transport Ministers from Malaysia, Lithuania, and Tunisia. Other key participants were executives from major aviation organisations such as the International Civil Aviation Organization, Airports Council International, Saudia, Riyadh Air, Airbus, Boeing, Wizz Air, Seattle Airport, King Salman International Airport, Fraport AG, Mactan-Cebu International Airport, Oman Airports, Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation, Gensler, Munich Airport, Toronto Airports Authority, Luton Airport, The International Air Cargo Association, SAL Logistics Services, Groupe ADP, Swissport, Global Express Association, DNata, and Etihad Airways.
This event underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to advancing its aviation sector in line with Vision 2030, positioning the Kingdom as a global aviation hub and fostering economic growth and job creation.
