The President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, alongside senior Saudi officials, visited the Egypt International Airshow at El Alamein International Airport, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday. Al-Duailej was accompanied by Maj. Gen. Talal Al-Ghamdi, deputy commander of the Royal Saudi Air Force and Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Egypt, Saleh bin Eid Al-Hosseini.
The delegation toured pavilions showcasing the latest products and services in civil and military aviation, as well as space technologies. Exhibitors at the airshow included major companies such as Saudia Group, Saudi Arabian Military Industries, the Royal Saudi Air Force, Boeing, Korea Aerospace Industries and the Commercial Aircraft Corp. of China.
During the visit, Al-Duailej met Egypt’s Civil Aviation Minister, Sameh Ahmed El-Hefny, to discuss ways to strengthen civil aviation ties and explore investment opportunities. He also held talks with Edward O’Brien, CEO of AviLease, about the company's strategic objectives and potential areas of collaboration.
The airshow, which features over 300 companies from 100 countries, provides a platform for international aviation and aerospace experts to engage in discussions about advanced technologies, aircraft maintenance and defence systems.
Saudi Arabia's civil aviation sector has seen a resurgence in 2024, with passenger numbers rising 17% to 62 million in the first half of the year and flights increasing by 12% to 446,000—surpassing pre-pandemic levels. GACA continues to strengthen bilateral relations, foster partnerships and explore new opportunities to enhance the Kingdom’s aviation industry.