Riyadh, Saudi Arabia — The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) concluded its participation at the Farnborough International Airshow 2024, held from July 22 to 26 in the United Kingdom. Led by President Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, the delegation presented investment opportunities under the National Aviation Strategy and showcased Saudi Arabia’s innovation in air mobility, regulation, and infrastructure.
GACA’s presence focused on attracting foreign investment and promoting cooperation. During the airshow, the team toured aviation tech exhibits and visited Cranfield University to observe digital air traffic control technologies and ongoing research in advanced aviation systems.
Saudi Aviation at Farnborough: Policy Leadership and Global Partnerships
GACA signed a cooperation agreement with Germany’s Lilium, a leader in electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, to help develop Saudi Arabia’s regulatory framework for advanced air mobility. This aligns with the Kingdom’s efforts to diversify its economy while ensuring air safety and environmental sustainability.
Saudi Air Navigation Services (SANS) also entered into a framework agreement with NATS, the UK’s air traffic control provider, to improve airport capacity and airspace management. Additionally, an MoU between the Saudi Academy of Civil Aviation, Prince Sultan University, and Cranfield University will support research collaboration and skill development in aviation science.
Saudi Aviation at Farnborough: Growth, Investment, and Strategic Deals
Flynas, a Saudi budget airline, signed an agreement with Airbus for 160 new aircraft—including A330neo and A320 models—raising its total future fleet to 280 planes over the next seven years.
GACA also hosted a roundtable with the Saudi-British Business Council to discuss expanding civil aviation investment ties between the two countries. The event emphasized the importance of private sector partnerships in achieving Vision 2030 goals.
The Saudi Standard’s View: Airspace Innovation Meets Institutional Vision
Saudi aviation at Farnborough reveals more than global presence. GACA’s strategic efforts go beyond showcasing progress. They demonstrate the Kingdom’s serious intent to build not just airports or fleets—but frameworks that power future air mobility. By aligning regulation, research, and investment with global trends, Saudi Arabia is positioning its civil aviation sector as a regional innovation leader. This integration of smart mobility, international collaboration, and academic input reflects a policy shift toward long-term aviation infrastructure, both physical and institutional.
