Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) said it has reached an agreement with International Air Transport Association (IATA) to set up the aviation body’s headquarters for the MEA region in the country.

Following the deal, GACA said the signing of this agreement not only aligns with Saudi Arabia’s interest in supporting and promoting the role of regional and international civil aviation organizations, but also contributes to the kingdom’s distinguished efforts to empower Saudi organisations through providing various forms of support to assist in their role of contributing to the development of the field of air transport.

The establishment of IATA’s regional office in Saudi Arabia will augment the provision of the necessary support for air transport companies within the kingdom and the region through providing consultations and training courses, as well as providing the civil aviation industry in the kingdom with data and information related to international air transport, remarked GACA president Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al Duailej after signing the agreement with Kamel Hassan Al Awadi, Vice President of IATA for the Mideast and Africa.

Al Duailej emphasized the importance of bolstering effective joint cooperation between international and regional organizations in the civil aviation industry in order to promote the interests of the field of air transport at both an international and regional level.

Al Awadi said IATA works to assist nations in the development of a safe, secure, and profitable air transport industry that sustainably connects and enriches the world through increasing the growth rates of international trade.

“It also helps find solutions for air transport issues, and provides a means of cooperation between companies, institutions, and international organisations within the air transport and aviation industry including the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO),” he added.