Riyadh, August 24, 2023, As part of its strategy for the aviation industry, which aims to forge global alliances, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia signed separate civil aviation agreements with Pakistan and Bangladesh. On a momentous occasion, the President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, convened with esteemed civil aviation officials and specialists from Pakistan and Bangladesh. It was during this highly anticipated meeting that the signing of the deals took place. In a significant development, Mr. Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, the CEO of Saudi Arabian Airlines, recently held separate meetings with key officials during a Saudi delegation's visit to Pakistan and Bangladesh. The delegation, under the direction of Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, sought to improve bilateral ties and discuss issues pertaining to aviation and tourism. During his visit, Al-Duailej had a productive meeting with Khaqan Murtaza, the Director General of the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA). The discussions likely revolved around enhancing cooperation between Saudi Arabian Airlines and PCAA, exploring opportunities for collaboration, and addressing any challenges faced by both parties. Furthermore, Al-Duailej also had a separate meeting with Mahbub Ali, the Minister of Civil Aviation and Tourism in Bangladesh. This meeting was undoubtedly significant, as it provided a platform to discuss potential areas of cooperation between Saudi Arabian Airlines and the Bangladeshi aviation sector. The discussions likely encompassed matters related to tourism promotion, air connectivity, and exploring avenues for mutual growth. These meetings between Al-Duailej and the aviation authorities of Pakistan and Bangladesh are expected to pave the way for increased collaboration and stronger ties between Saudi Arabia and these two nations. As the CEO of Saudi Arabian Airlines, Al-Duailej's engagement with key stakeholders in the aviation industry demonstrates the airline's commitment to fostering partnerships and expanding its presence in the region. High-ranking officials from the air transportation industry, including chief executive officers (CEOs) of various air carriers, were present at the meetings. During the meetings, officials engaged in discussions centered around strategies aimed at enhancing seating capacity for the transportation of religious visitors to the Kingdom. Additionally, they deliberated on the most effective approaches to address existing and potential obstacles in this regard. During their meeting, the officials also discussed the topic of cooperation and explored strategies for enhancing the provision of additional facilities for air carriers. In a significant development during the Pakistan meeting, Al-Duailej, a prominent figure in the aviation industry, has inked a crucial agreement with his Pakistani counterpart. The agreement focuses on the provision of air transportation services, marking a notable milestone in bilateral relations between the two nations. In a bid to bolster collaboration in the realm of air services, an agreement has been reached between the two parties. The primary objective of this agreement is to establish a framework for the regulation of air transport between the two nations, ensuring a secure and well-organized system. In a significant development, the President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has officially signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Minister Ali. This MoU aims to enhance the air transport sector between the Kingdom and Bangladesh, with a specific focus on increasing the number of flights and seating capacity. Additionally, the agreement seeks to streamline the arrival process for religious visitors to the Kingdom and bolster air cargo flights. This collaborative effort between GACA and Minister Ali is expected to have a positive impact on the aviation industry and further strengthen bilateral relations between the two nations. In a bold move to enhance its global air connectivity, the Saudi aviation sector has unveiled a strategic plan that sets its sights on an impressive target. With aspirations to expand its reach to a staggering 250 destinations, the Kingdom aims to triple its passenger count, accommodating a remarkable 330 million travelers. This ambitious strategy reflects Saudi Arabia's commitment to bolstering its presence in the international aviation landscape and solidifying its position as a key player in the global travel industry. In a bold move, the strategy aims to significantly increase air cargo capacity to a staggering 4.5 million tons per year by the year 2030.
