Saudi Arabia shows progress in sustainable aviation
Just four years into its
implementation, the Saudi Aviation Strategy (SAS) has shown remarkable
progress, with the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) spearheading
efforts to develop a more sustainable aviation sector.
Strategic Position and Economic
Transition
Saudi Arabia's unique geographical
location, intersecting Europe, Africa, and Asia, has historically positioned it
as a key player in global trade. This strategic advantage is now being
leveraged to facilitate the country's economic and social transformation in the
aviation era.
Vision 2030 and Aviation Ecosystem
Central to Saudi Vision 2030, the
aviation ecosystem's development is a vital driver for economic
diversification, job creation for young Saudis, and societal vibrancy. Launched
in 2020, the Saudi Aviation Strategy aims to make Saudi Arabia a leader in the
global aviation industry, supported by $100 billion in investments from both
the public and private sectors. The strategy targets connectivity to over 250
destinations via 29 airports, tripling annual passenger traffic to 330 million,
and boosting air cargo volume to 4.5 million tonnes by 2030.
Impressive Growth Metrics
In March, GACA reported significant
strides in air traffic performance for 2023. The total number of flights
increased by 16 percent, from 701,290 to 814,995, while passenger numbers rose
by 26 percent, from 88 million to 112 million, surpassing pre-pandemic levels.
Additionally, Saudi Arabia expanded its air connectivity to 148 destinations,
with at least 52 flights to and from the Kingdom.
Read More Saudi
aviation to overshadow regional rivals
Green Aviation Initiatives
However, growth alone is not
sufficient. The aviation sector must also evolve to uphold the environmental
commitments of Vision 2030 and ensure sustainability. The Saudi Aviation
Strategy includes the privatization and modernization of aviation
infrastructure, with GACA enhancing regulatory frameworks to protect consumers,
increase efficiency, and improve safety standards.
Technological Advancements
State-of-the-art technologies
applied to airports, airlines, and immigration systems can create more
connected, efficient, and eco-friendly aviation ecosystems. Saudi airlines,
such as Riyadh Air, Flyadeal, Flynas, and Saudia, are investing in
next-generation, fuel-efficient aircraft like the Airbus A320neo, A321neo, and
Boeing 787-9. Flynas, for example, reported a reduction of 161,000 tonnes in
carbon emissions over 18 months through fleet modernization and digital
transformation.
Sustainable Airport Development
New and upgraded airports are aiming
for maximum sustainability, pursuing carbon-neutral certification, eco-friendly
infrastructure designs, and renewable energy adoption. The Red Sea
International Airport, upon completion, will be carbon-neutral, powered
entirely by renewable energy, and served by a fleet of electric vehicles.
Operational Improvements
Current airport infrastructure also
plays a role in reducing CO2 emissions through operational ATM improvements in
airspace design and technology deployment. Optimizing flight paths, ground
operations, and weather adjustments can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 11
percent on long-haul flights and up to 14.7 percent on short-haul flights,
significantly impacting aviation’s total climate footprint.
Read More Aviation
among the key sectors in Saudi economy that will see investment boost
Advanced Flight Management Systems
Modern Flight Management Systems
(FMS) enhance fuel efficiency and on-time performance by continuously adjusting
aircraft trajectories using real-time data from multiple sources, including
weather services.
Innovative Solutions
Pioneering solutions, such as
unmanned aircraft systems and vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft,
are set to revolutionize air transport safety, sustainability, and efficiency,
addressing environmental concerns while accelerating mobility.
As Saudi Arabia builds on the
successes of Vision 2030 and the Saudi Aviation Strategy, the nation is
committed to growing its aviation sector in an environmentally conscious
manner, reinforcing its status as a forward-thinking, modern nation.
Source: Alarabiya