Saudi Arabia to host Future Aviation Forum, aiming for regional logistics leadership

More than 5,000 global aviation industry experts, international airline leaders, and airport executives will convene in Riyadh from May 20 to 22 for a dedicated event focused on the challenges facing the industry.

According to the Saudi Press Agency, the Future Aviation Forum will see discussions on issues related to the global flight sector, air transport, and environmental sustainability in civil aviation, as well as talks on enabling advanced air transport and enhancing global connectivity.

Organized by the General Authority of Civil Aviation, the event aligns with the Kingdom’s ambition to become a leader in the sector within a decade, including securing $100 billion worth of investments by 2030.

“The conference will focus on enabling the efforts of the national strategic objectives for aviation aimed at transforming the Kingdom into a leading logistical center in the Middle East and providing an attractive investment environment in this vital and important sector,” SPA reported.

At its inaugural edition in 2022, the Future Aviation Forum welcomed representatives from 60 countries, facilitating the signing of 52 agreements and hosting 116 bilateral meetings.

The event also debuted crucial policies and forged numerous partnerships between governmental and private sectors, enhancing collaboration in the aviation industry.

Transport ministers, heads of civil aviation authorities, and top executives from global aviation companies seized the opportunity to ink over 50 deals totaling $2.7 billion in value at the gathering.

According to a press release at the time: “The deals signed include bilateral air services agreements that will increase connectivity between the Middle East, Latin America, and Africa, as well as collaborations on sustainability, human capital development, airport operation deals and technology partnerships.”

The Riyadh Aviation Declaration was also adopted during this forum, outlining six principles to guide global aviation toward innovation, sustainability, and growth by promoting cooperation and prioritizing customer needs.

Signatories committed to enhancing regulations, supporting recovery and investing in innovation as well as developing human capital, leading sustainability discussions, and advocating for industry contributions.