GACA Grants Air Operator Certificate to Riyadh Air, Paving the Way for Launch of Commercial Flights
The ceremony was attended by Minister of Transport and Logistic Services and GACA Chairman of the Board of Directors Eng. Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser.
The issuance of the certificate follows Riyadh Air's successful fulfillment of all regulatory and operational requirements in accordance with the executive regulations of the Civil Aviation Law, particularly those related to safety, security, and operational quality standards, reported the Saudi Press Agency.
This milestone reflects GACA's commitment to upholding world-class regulatory practices. The updated AOC marks a significant step toward enhancing the passenger experience and maintaining the highest aviation safety standards.
It also supports GACA's broader efforts to create an attractive investment environment and to foster the growth and sustainability of the aviation sector, in line with the goals of the National Aviation Strategy and Saudi Vision 2030.
Al-Jasser emphasized that the issuance of the AOC to Riyadh Air represents a foundational pillar of the Kingdom's aviation strategy, which aims to position Saudi Arabia as the Middle East's leading aviation hub by 2030. The strategy includes transforming the Kingdom into a global logistics hub connecting three continents, supporting tourism objectives, and establishing Riyadh as a global gateway and central hub for transportation, trade, and tourism.
Riyadh Air plans to operate flights to over 100 international destinations by 2030. The airline has placed orders for more than 132 aircraft and is expected to generate over 200,000 direct and indirect jobs in the aviation sector, contributing an estimated SAR75 billion to the Kingdom's non-oil GDP.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Leaders
13 hours ago
- Leaders
Saudi Arabia Launches Initial Operational Phase for Self-Driving Vehicles
The Saudi Transport Minister and the Chairman of the Transport General Authority (TGA), Saleh Al-Jasser, on Wednesday inaugurated the initial operational phase for self-driving vehicles in Riyadh, reported the Saudi Press Agency (SPA). The initiative marks a major milestone toward developing smart, safe and AI-driven transport systems across Saudi Arabia, in line with the objectives of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy. The move also aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 which aims to adopt sustainable mobility solutions powered by the latest AI technologies. This project is the result of a cross-sector partnership involving the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, the Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA), the General Authority for Survey and Geospatial Information, and the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO). It also includes private companies such as Uber, WeRide, and AiDriver. On this occasion, Al-Jasser said that the launch of the initial operational phase for self-driving vehicles demonstrates the Kingdom's ambitious vision toward developing a smart and integrated transport ecosystem that supports economic growth and boosts the quality of life. Moreover, Al-Jasser pointed out that enabling advanced technologies and developing regulatory and operational frameworks represent a key pillar for expanding the application of this technology and support the ongoing transformation in the transport sector. Furthermore, they underscore Saudi Arabia's efforts toward achieving sustainability, enhancing mobility efficiency, and localizing innovation, according to Al-Jasser. The launch of the initial operational phase of autonomous vehicles contributes to advancing a smart and sustainable future of mobility.#SaudiTGA — الهيئة العامة للنقل | TGA (@Saudi_TGA) July 23, 2025 During this phase, the self-driving vehicles will operate in a real-world setting across several key sites in Riyadh, including King Khalid International Airport, major highways and selected urban hubs. The TGA will provide direct regulatory and technical supervision for implementation. During this initial phase, vehicles will transport passengers with a safety officer onboard to ensure safety and track the performance of their smart systems in real-world conditions. Short link : Post Views: 15
Asharq Al-Awsat
21 hours ago
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi Transport Minister Launches Initial Operational Phase of Autonomous Vehicles
Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistic Services and Chairman of the Board of the Transport General Authority Eng. Saleh Al-Jasser launched on Wednesday the Initial Operational Phase of Autonomous Vehicles in Riyadh. This milestone marks a significant step aimed at enabling advanced technology and expanding the development of a smart and safe transportation ecosystem in the Kingdom. The initiative aligns with the objectives of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy and is an extension of Saudi Vision 2030 towards adopting sustainable mobility solutions powered by the latest artificial intelligence technologies. This project is the result of an integrated partnership that brings together the transport and logistics ecosystem and relevant stakeholders, including the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology ecosystem, the Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA), the General Authority for Survey and Geospatial Information, and the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO), in addition to private sector partners represented by technology and operations partners Uber, WeRide, and AiDriver. The autonomous vehicles in this phase will operate within a real-world environment covering King Khalid International Airport and several key locations across Riyadh, including major highways and selected city center destinations. This phase is implemented under the direct regulatory and technical supervision of the Transport General Authority. The vehicles will transport passengers with a safety officer onboard each vehicle to ensure safety and monitor the performance of smart systems in actual operating conditions. Al-Jasser stressed that the launch of the initial operational phase reflects the Kingdom's ambitious vision to build a smart and integrated transport system that supports economic growth and enhances quality of life. Enabling modern technologies and developing regulatory and operational frameworks are key pillars to expanding the implementation of this technology and supporting the transformation of the transport sector, he added. The initiative is an extension of the Kingdom's efforts to promote sustainability, improve mobility efficiency, and localize innovation. This project represents a pioneering model of public-private partnership, paving the way for a future of safer and smarter mobility, he stated.
Leaders
21 hours ago
- Leaders
SDAIA Unveils 'National AI Index' to Assess Government AI Readiness
The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) has launched the National AI Index, a new initiative designed to measure the readiness of government entities to adopt and implement artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. The inaugural assessment cycle was attended by over 180 representatives from various government organizations. The index is intended to evaluate institutional preparedness for AI adoption, track ongoing progress, and offer strategic recommendations to support development and drive national impact. It aligns with Saudi Arabia's broader objectives under Vision 2030, focusing on enhancing government efficiency and promoting sustainable, AI-driven solutions. Structured around three main pillars, seven core dimensions, and 23 subcategories, the index offers a comprehensive framework for assessing the maturity of AI capabilities across government entities. It delivers insights into current AI adoption levels and provides guidance to strengthen innovation and effectiveness in priority sectors. As part of SDAIA's mandate as the national authority on data and AI, the index plays a key role in regulating, developing, and promoting AI initiatives across the Kingdom. It also supports SDAIA's strategic collaborations aimed at accelerating digital transformation and fostering a knowledge- and innovation-based economy in line with Saudi Vision 2030. Related Topics: Saudi Arabia Showcases Digital Leadership at WSIS 2025 'Madrasati' Platform Wins Top Honor at WSIS Forum 2025 Saudi Arabia Wins Awards at WSIS +20 Forum Short link : Post Views: 24 Related Stories
