Saudi Transport Minister Inaugurates First Sub-Regional Office ACI Office for ‎Asia-Pacific, Middle East

Upon the Kingdom’s victory represented by MATARAT Holding, Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistics Services and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), Eng. Saleh Al-Jasser, inaugurated yesterday in Riyadh the first office of the Airports Council International (ACI) for Asia-Pacific and Middle East. Several dignitaries, high-ranking officials, and members of the ACI Asia-Pacific and Middle East representing 49 countries attended the event.

During the inauguration ceremony, Eng. Al-Jasser emphasized that this achievement represents a culmination of the Kingdom’s prominent standing in international organizations and its significant role in the aviation and air transport industry. The minister highlighted the unlimited support provided by the transportation and logistics system under the custodianship of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince.

He pointed out that the opening of the ACI office in Riyadh is an extension of consecutive successes in aviation. The minister added that the opening also aligns with the Aviation Strategy that is aimed at strengthening air connectivity with countries worldwide, reaching 250 international destinations, and transporting 330 million passengers annually by 2030.

President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation and Chairman of the Board of Directors of MATARAT Holding, Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, explained that this step reflects the Kingdom’s and Middle East region’s leadership in the global aviation sector. This aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the National Strategy for Transport and Logistics. In this context, he referred to the Kingdom’s membership in the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and its presidency of the Aviation Security Committee within the ICAO, reflecting the pivotal role of the Kingdom and its extensive efforts in supporting the aviation industry regionally and internationally.

The CEO of the MATARAT Holding Company Eng. Mohammed Al-Maghlooth, mentioned that this step is in line with the goals of the National Aviation Strategy to make the aviation sector a leader in the Middle East through global hub airports in the Kingdom.

The ACI for Asia-Pacific and the Middle East was established in 1991 to meet the needs of Asian airports. In 2006, the Asia office was merged with the Pacific office, and it was renamed as the ACI Asia-Pacific and Middle East office. It currently boasts 131 members representing 49 countries and oversees 617 airports in Asia, the Pacific, and the Middle East.