GACA to increase general aviation sector’s GDP contribution tenfold by 2030

Logo of General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA)

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) plans to unveil a general aviation roadmap at the 2024 Future Aviation Forum (FAF 2024), which takes place in Riyadh on May 20–22, with the goal of increasing the general aviation sector's GDP contribution by tenfold to $2 billion by 2030.

The roadmap covers the business jet segment, including charter, private, and corporate jets, and will support Saudi Arabia’s development as a global high-value business and tourist destination. In October 2023, Saudi Arabia revised its 2030 tourism target upwards from 100 to 150 million visitors by 2030.

The roadmap covers the business jets segment, including charter, private, and corporate jets, supporting aircraft owners, investors, operators, and service providers, thus enhancing the Kingdom's global business and tourism stature, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The roadmap will invest in infrastructure and streamline regulations to support aircraft owners, investors, operators, and service providers.

“General aviation is vital to growing high-value sectors of the Saudi economy, including tourism, business, and entertainment events,” Abdulaziz Al Duailej, President of GACA, said.

“The General Aviation roadmap will turbocharge the sector within the Kingdom, transforming infrastructure and regulations while simultaneously developing, promoting, and enhancing general aviation services in the market,” Al Duailej added.