Manama, November 16, 2024 – The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) concluded its successful participation in the seventh annual Bahrain International Airshow yesterday. Held from November 13 to 15 at the Sakhir Air Base, the event provided GACA with a premier platform to spotlight its achievements and reinforce Saudi Arabia’s leadership in the global civil aviation sector.
Through an engaging pavilion, GACA presented the cornerstone initiatives of the Kingdom’s National Aviation Strategy, emphasizing its ambitions to enhance air connectivity to 250 destinations worldwide. The authority highlighted its focus on adopting cutting-edge technologies and advancing digital transformation to position Saudi Arabia at the forefront of the global aviation industry.
Prominent among its showcased initiatives were the Advanced Air Mobility Roadmap and the Environmental Sustainability Program. These forward-thinking plans underline GACA’s commitment to reducing the environmental footprint of aviation activities, aligning with global sustainability goals.
The authority also underscored its efforts to foster investment opportunities within the aviation sector, streamline operational procedures, and elevate the traveler experience. Key discussions covered areas such as quality management, passenger protection, and innovations in the air cargo industry, all reflecting the Kingdom’s adherence to international standards and its vision for growth in the aviation field.
GACA's participation celebrated significant achievements in Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector. Record-breaking milestones were highlighted, including a remarkable 15% year-on-year increase in passenger numbers, reaching 94 million during the first nine months of 2024, alongside a 10% rise in flight operations compared to 2023. These outcomes demonstrate the success of the National Aviation Strategy in driving economic and social progress within the industry.
The Bahrain International Airshow 2024 proved to be a hub for regional and global collaboration, attracting 11 sponsors, 223 civil and military delegations from over 56 countries, and 135 exhibitors from around the world. This robust participation further cemented its status as one of the most significant aviation events in the region.
As GACA’s involvement in the airshow drew to a close, it reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s role as a leading force in the global air transport sector, showcasing the Kingdom’s dedication to innovation, sustainability, and excellence in aviation.