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GACA President to Asharq Al-Awsat: We are Moving towards Automating Saudi Airports

The Chairman of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), Abdulaziz Al-Duailej (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The Chairman of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), Abdulaziz Al-Duailej (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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GACA President to Asharq Al-Awsat: We are Moving towards Automating Saudi Airports

The Chairman of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), Abdulaziz Al-Duailej (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The Chairman of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), Abdulaziz Al-Duailej (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The Chairman of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, said that Saudi Arabia is one of the advanced countries in digital government, technical connectivity, and access to information, revealing the Kingdom’s efforts to benefit from the latest technologies in the field of automating airport operations with the aim of facilitating the traveler’s experience.
In remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, Al-Duailej explained that the authority has recently automated many processes at airports, including obtaining a boarding pass electronically and dropping luggage without human intervention.
The chairman of GACA was speaking at the conclusion of the Future Aviation Forum 2024, on Wednesday.
The three-day event was held in Riyadh with the participation of more than 30 ministers, 77 leaders of civil aviation authorities and heads of air transport companies, as well as 7,000 industry experts from more than 120 countries.
Al-Duailej noted that the electronic gates service was activated at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh during the month of Ramadan, adding that GACA was working to introduce other automated services.
He also highlighted progress towards achieving the country’s goals of doubling the number of passengers, to exceed 330 million in 2030.
The Saudi official stated that the Kingdom enjoys a strategic geographical location and aims to be a hub connecting the East to the West, especially in the field of aviation and logistics services. From this standpoint, he stressed that the country seeks to double air freight from less than one million tons in 2019 to more than 4.5 million tons by 2030.
He continued that Saudi Arabia aims to increase the number of direct air stations from 148 stations in 2023 to 250 global destinations in 2030.
The Saudi strategy for the civil aviation sector focuses on creating a global investment environment and shaping the future of the aviation industry in Saudi Arabia, with the aim to transform the country into a leader in the region and the world.

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Saudi's flynas Strikes Deal for Additional Airbus A320neos, 15 A330s

Saudi's flynas strikes deal for additional Airbus A320neos, 15 A330s (flynas)
Saudi's flynas strikes deal for additional Airbus A320neos, 15 A330s (flynas)
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Saudi's flynas Strikes Deal for Additional Airbus A320neos, 15 A330s

Saudi's flynas strikes deal for additional Airbus A320neos, 15 A330s (flynas)
Saudi's flynas strikes deal for additional Airbus A320neos, 15 A330s (flynas)

flynas, Saudi Arabia’s leading low-cost carrier, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airbus for 75 A320neo family aircraft and 15 A330-900. This strategic agreement will expand the airline's capacity, range and enhance its overall fleet capabilities.
Signed during Farnborough International Airshow in the presence of President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) of Saudi Arabia, Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, Chairman of the Board of NAS Holding Ayed Al Jeaid, flynas Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director Bandar Almohanna, and Airbus Chief Executive Officer, Commercial Aircraft, Christian Scherer, Airbus said on its website.
The new aircraft will join the carrier’s all Airbus fleet serving international, domestic and regional routes. The new A330-900 aircraft will boast a two-class configuration, accommodating up to 400 passengers.
"We are excited to further strengthen our long-standing partnership with Airbus," said Bander Almohanna, CEO and Managing Director of flynas. "The A320neo Family provides exceptional operational performance and environmental benefits, allowing us to offer unique, low-cost travel experiences. Additionally, the A330neowill enhance our long-haul capabilities with its advanced technology and efficiency while supporting our growth plans and Saudi Arabia’s pilgrim program."
Airbus Chief Executive Officer, Commercial Aircraft, Christian Scherer said, "We are delighted to expand our partnership with flynas through this significant milestone for both A320neo and A330-900 aircraft. The A330neo will allow flynas to further grow into widebody markets by building on the A320, benefiting from Airbus’ unique commonality. Both aircraft types offer flynas the perfect versatility and economics to expand into new markets while offering their passengers the latest cabin experience and comfort. We look forward to continuing our successful collaboration with flynas as they embark on this exciting new chapter."
The addition of the A330-900 aircraft will support flynas' ambitious growth plans. The airline anticipates significant operational efficiency gains by combining the new widebody aircraft with its existing A320neo fleet. The A330-900 offers increased capacity and range at unrivaled seat costs, ensuring flynas can compete effectively in the growing regional market, a key focus area for the airline.
The A330neo delivers unbeatable operating economics, powered by the latest-generation Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, featuring new wings and a range of aerodynamic innovations resulting in a 25 percent reduction in fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions compared to previous generation competitor aircraft. The A330neo is capable of flying 8,150 nm / 15,094 km non-stop, providing ultimate comfort with more passenger space, a new lighting system, latest in-flight entertainment systems and full connectivity throughout the cabin.
As with all Airbus aircraft, the A330 family is already able to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). The manufacturer is targeting to have its aircraft up to 100% SAF capable by 2030.