Post by : Mumtaaz
Qadiri
President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, led a high-level delegation from the civil aviation sector on an official visit to the United States from September 18-19. The visit aimed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in aviation, explore advanced technologies, and promote investment opportunities between Saudi Arabia and the US.
High-Level Meeting With Boeing
During the visit, Al-Duailej met with Don Ruhmann, Chief Aerospace Safety Officer for Boeing and a member of the company’s Executive Council. The discussions focused on areas of mutual interest, ways to enhance cooperation in the civil aviation sector, and opportunities to develop advanced air mobility projects in Saudi Arabia. These projects include new technologies, infrastructure, and regulatory frameworks that support innovation in aviation.
Signing Of MoU With Boeing
A significant outcome of the visit was the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between GACA and Boeing in Washington, D.C. The MoU focuses on exploring potential partnerships and investment opportunities to evaluate and implement advanced air mobility in Saudi Arabia. This initiative aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 and the Kingdom’s aviation program, aiming to boost economic growth and strengthen international collaboration with the United States.
Focus On Advanced Air Mobility
The MoU aims to support the development of advanced air mobility, which includes emerging aviation technologies such as electric aircraft, autonomous air vehicles, and innovative transport solutions. This initiative is expected to enhance the Kingdom’s aviation sector by creating modern infrastructure, developing regulatory frameworks, and facilitating investment in new technologies. It also promotes the localization of aviation industries and the transfer of expertise from international partners like Boeing.
Visit To Dreamliner 787 Facility
The GACA delegation visited Boeing’s Dreamliner 787 production facility in South Carolina. This visit provided an opportunity to exchange technical expertise, observe advanced manufacturing processes, and explore strategies for localizing aviation technologies in Saudi Arabia. The delegation also discussed potential training programs for GACA engineers and aviation safety inspectors, ensuring high standards of safety and efficiency in the Kingdom’s aviation sector.
Strengthening Strategic Relations
The visit also included meetings with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to discuss ways of strengthening strategic relations and technical cooperation. Topics included aviation safety, inspection protocols, and developing comprehensive training programs to enhance the skills of Saudi aviation professionals. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to elevate Saudi Arabia’s civil aviation sector to international standards.
Supporting Saudi Vision 2030
The partnership with Boeing and the focus on advanced air mobility directly support the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which emphasizes innovation, technology transfer, and sustainable economic growth. By leveraging international expertise, Saudi Arabia aims to become a regional hub for aviation technology, contribute to economic diversification, and create new opportunities for employment and skill development in the aerospace sector.
Building Long-Term Cooperation
The MoU and the delegation’s visit reflect the Kingdom’s commitment to fostering long-term international partnerships in aviation. Cooperation with global leaders like Boeing helps Saudi Arabia implement cutting-edge technologies, enhance aviation safety, and build a knowledge-based economy. The agreement also strengthens the Kingdom’s position in global aviation markets and opens doors for future collaborations in research, development, and training.
The official visit by Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej and the GACA delegation highlights Saudi Arabia’s strategic focus on innovation, technology, and international cooperation in civil aviation. The signing of the MoU with Boeing marks a key milestone in developing advanced air mobility, promoting aviation safety, and supporting the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. By investing in modern aviation technologies and fostering international partnerships, Saudi Arabia is set to enhance its global standing in the aerospace industry while creating new economic and technological opportunities for the Kingdom.
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