GACA President Abdulaziz Al-Duailej Addresses Global Aviation Challenges during Singapore Aviation Week
SINGAPORE: Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, President of Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) and President of the Executive Council of Arab Civil Aviation Organization (ACAO), attended Singapore’s High-Level Aviation Week, July 13-18. Organized by Singapore’s Ministry of Transport, it facilitated an international gathering of transport ministers, top officials, and aviation leaders to address current and future challenges to global aviation.
During his speech, Al-Duailej drew attention to the increasing demand for air travel as the most immediate worldwide challenge confronting aviation. He used the Airports Council International (ACI) forecasts, observing that worldwide passenger traffic is projected to reach 12 billion by 2030. This future growth, he noted, creates challenges for infrastructure capacity, supply chain resilience, regulatory environments, talent development, and sustainability.
He also pointed to regional issues in the Middle East, specifically airspace closures, which make operational logistics more challenging. Yet, Al-Duailej mentioned that these issues also offer opportunities to innovate and enhance regional coordination. He disclosed that Saudi Arabia recently diverted over 41,000 flights, showing its flexibility in handling airspace and ensuring smooth operations.
Environmental sustainability was also a dominant theme. Al-Duailej showcased the Middle East Green Initiative as a template for collective climate action. He discussed GACA’s Civil Aviation Environmental Sustainability Program, with its salient initiatives being:
Carbon-neutral airport operations at airports such as Red Sea International Airport, providing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to all airlines.
Planting one million trees across airport properties by 2030.
Enhancing waste sorting and recycling programs at major airports.
Establishing international partnerships for sharing the best practices in the management of sustainable airports.
During the event, Al-Duailej also witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Changi Airport Group of Singapore and Jeddah Airports Company. The MoU is meant to enhance cooperation between the two organizations in the areas of passenger experience, operational efficiency, safety standards, air connectivity, and airport technology and automation.
Singapore’s High-Level Aviation Week has been an important forum for debating global trends, emerging issues, and future opportunities for the aviation industry. Al-Duailej’s attendance demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s increasing leadership position in promoting sustainable and innovative air transport solutions regionally and internationally.
