The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) successfully convened the 10th National Aviation Sector Strategy Activation Steering Committee in Riyadh, chaired by His Excellency Mr. Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al- Duailj, the Governor of (GACA). The meeting witnessed the participation of esteemed industry leaders, including Mr. Turki bin Matooq Al-Thonayan, Chife Executive Officer of The National Security Services Company (SAFE), along with a group of CEOs and officials representing national companies and carriers operating in the civil aviation sector in the Kingdom. The meeting was hosted and sponsored by The National Security Services Company (SAFE).
(SAFE) sponsorship of this meeting underscores the wise leadership's keen interest in the aviation and security sectors, aligning with the Kingdom's overall development in different areas.
With the aim of achieving a crucial goal of the Kingdom's aviation sector, which is to reach 330 million passengers annually by 2030, (SAFE) aspires to drive a qualitative leap in the aviation industry through its integrated security solutions. This includes the provision of airport security services, which combine cutting-edge international technologies with highly qualified and trained security personnel. This will have a positive impact on the passenger experience and solidify the Kingdom's position as a regional leader in the aviation field.
During the meeting, Mr. Turki bin Matooq Al-Thonayan, CEO of The National Security Services Company (SAFE), emphasized, "The success of any ecosystem significantly relies on the collaboration among service providers, customers, compliance authorities under the leadership of the regulator. (SAFE) is committed to be the ultimate partner in shaping the future of security, safety, and firefighting in the region. In line with this commitment, we eagerly anticipate strengthening our partnerships with key players in the ecosystem. Through these collaborations, we aim to make the aviation industry within the kingdom one of the safest ecosystems, with most efficient airport operations and best passenger experience."
Furthermore, His Excellency Mr. Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailj, the Governor of the General Authority of Civil Aviation, emphasized the importance of intensifying efforts and undertaking further measures to enhance the overall performance of the sector. This includes elevating the role of civil aviation, raising its competitive value, and realizing the aspirations of the wise leadership in developing and investing in the sector to serve citizens and travelers. The President commended all employees of the civil aviation sector system and the relevant authorities for their dedicated efforts and collaborative work, which will contribute to the attainment of the national strategy's objectives. These objectives encompass doubling the absorptive capacity and achieving an annual passenger count of over 330 million from more than 250 destinations worldwide & cargo capacity increase to 4.5 million tons by 2030.
The meeting included two panel sessions which discussed the latest developments and achievements of the strategies implemented by airlines operating within the Kingdom's airports. The first session, titled "Aviation Sector Strategy Execution Challenges", featured notable speakers including Eng. Mohammed Al-Khuraisi, the Executive Vice President of Strategy and Business Intelligence at GACA; Capt. Fahd Cynndy, CEO of Saudia Aerospace Engineering Industries (SAEI) ; Mr. Khaled Al-Hamash, Chief Operating Officer of Matarat Holding Company; Capt. Ibrahim Al-koshy, CEO of Saudi Arabian Airlines (SAUDIA); and Mr. Muhammad Ovais, Head of Aviation and Security Sector for the Public Investment Fund (PIF).
The second panel session discussed the significance of security in achieving the objectives and priorities of the National Aviation Sector. The session titled "Aviation Security as an Enabler of Non-Aeronautical Revenue & Productivity Improvement in Airport Operations," hosted distinguished panelists including Mr. Adnan Al-Ghamdi, Advisor to the Executive Vice President for Aviation Security at GACA ; Mr. Mustafa Jan, Head of Advisory & Consulting at The National Security Services Company (SAFE); Mr. Abdulaziz Al-Asaker, Chief Commercial Officer of Riyadh Airports Company; Mr. Vincent Coste, Chief Commercial officer of Riyadh Air; and Mr. Kevin Sawyer, Head of International Operations Aviation Security at UK Civil Aviation Authority International (CAAi).
The National Security Services Company (SAFE) was established in 2019 to uplift the security sector by providing high quality, integrated, and specialized security services to raise the standards and image of the security sector in the Kingdom, diversify the economy, and enable new sectors to contribute to achieving the Saudi Vision 2030.
