Saudi Arabia looks to Britain for investment in aviation industry

The General Authority for Civil Aviation, in cooperation with the Saudi-British Business Council, organised a round table meeting with the largest British companies in the field of civil aviation to discuss the specialised activities in the aviation sector of Saudi Arabia.

The aim of the meeting was to review the potential investment opportunities in the civil aviation sector, and the developments in the investment environment and privatisation projects. 

The meeting was attended by representatives of the concerned departments of the General Authority of Civil Aviation and more than 60 representatives of the national and British companies. Each of these attendees came with a specialist background some of which included airport operation, technology systems, aviation services, building and construction, navigation systems, hospitality and free market.

H.E. Abdul Hakim Mohammed Al Tamimi, Chairman of the General Authority for Civil Aviation, reviewed the investment opportunities in the aviation sector and the air transport market in the country, especially with its growing air traffic. He also discussed ways to operate airports and provide advanced services and consultancy in the fields of civil aviation in the country. 

Tamimi stressed the importance of the General Authority of Civil Aviation to strengthen the pillars of the civil aviation industry in the country and harness the required capabilities to keep pace with the steady growth of air transport. Moreover, he expressed an interest in attracting international companies to invest in airport infrastructure and services provided in airports.

By 2030 Saudi Arabia hopes to see in excess of 30 million passengers through the global logistics centre, which links three continents.

During the meeting, the companies were briefed on the latest developments in the investment environment in Saudi Arabia and the investment opportunities in the civil aviation sector, which are in line with the objectives of the country’s vision. 

The opportunities included the privatisation of the aviation industry, and focused upon attracting investors and capital in this economic sector.

The meeting was attended by a number of government agencies, including the General Investment Authority, the Saudi Commercial Attaché in Britain, Bandar Raza and the private sector, as well as British companies who specialise in the operation and construction of airports.