Global Aviation Leaders Gather in Riyadh for Future Aviation Forum, $12 Billion in Deals Anticipated

This Monday, over 5,000 leading figures in global civil aviation from 120 countries, including Ministers from over 30 countries, leaders of 65 civil aviation authorities, airline executives, airport officials, aircraft manufacturers, and major investors, will convene in Riyadh for the third edition of the Future Aviation Forum.

With a focus on “Elevating Global Connectivity,” the forum will showcase an unprecedented $100 billion worth of opportunities in Saudi Arabia’s booming aviation sector. Over 70 agreements and deals valued at more than $12 billion are expected to be signed during the three-day event.

The forum will open with a keynote speech from His Excellency Saleh Al Jasser, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Transport and Logistic Services, followed by an address from Salvatore Sciacchitano, President of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Council. Attendees will also hear from prominent industry leaders including Luis Felipe de Oliveira, Director General and CEO of ACI World; Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air; and Luc Tytgat, High Representative of the Executive Director at the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), among others.

The event features a comprehensive program where industry experts will discuss solutions to global aviation’s most pressing challenges. The second day will highlight an investment showcase presenting over $100 billion in opportunities arising from the Kingdom’s aviation sector transformation. The inaugural State of Aviation report, published by GACA, revealed that the sector contributed $53 billion to Saudi Arabia’s economy in 2023 and accounted for 10% of the nation’s non-oil gross value added.

The forum will coincide with several significant aviation events, including the Seventh Meeting of the Directors General of Civil Aviation Middle East Region, the Middle East and North Africa Air Regional Safety and Oversight Organization (RSOO), the Saudi Airports Awards, the Airports Council International’s annual general assembly, the 1st Security Forum of the Arab Civil Aviation Organization (ACAO), and more.

On the final day, ICAO and ACAO will host the Facilitation 2024 Global Summit and the 1st Aviation Security Summit respectively. In total, over 120 speakers will share their insights on various issues including growth and investment, airports and connectivity, supply chain management, cargo and logistics, mobility, technology, digitalization, safety, human capital, and sustainability.

The third edition of the Future Aviation Forum promises to be an unparalleled event, shaping the future of global civil aviation and setting the stage for transformative collaboration and innovation in the industry.