The inaugural Future Aviation Forum concluded in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, saw global aviation leaders set the course for a resilient and sustainable recovery of the global aviation sector.
In a sign of confidence for the months and years ahead, transport ministers, heads of civil aviation authorities, and top executives at global aviation companies used the occasion to sign more than 50 deals amounting to $2.7bn (10bn SAR) in value.
The deals signed include bilateral air services agreements that will increase connectivity between the Middle East, Latin America, and Africa, as well as collaborations on sustainability, human capital development, airport operation deals and technology partnerships.
The conclusion of the Forum also saw the presentation and adoption of the Riyadh Aviation Declaration that establishes six guiding principles for the future of aviation. This will be definitive in orientating the global aviation sector to enchance innovation, sustainability and growth by encouraging cooperation at multilateral, regional and national levels, as well as fostering a customer and passenger centric direction for the industry.
Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Transport and Logistical Services, Saleh Al-Jasser, presented the Riyadh Aviation Declaration and described its adoption as a critical moment for global aviation.
“The Riyadh Aviation Declaration outlines a vision for the future of global aviation, and the concrete steps we have taken during these two days to make this vision a reality. Our declaration is a key moment for global aviation,” said Al-Jasser.
Signatories to the Riyadh Aviation Declaration commit to enhance the alignment of the global aviation regulatory architecture for preparedness and responsiveness to health or other disruptions, to deliver more consistent, safe and seamless travel experiences for customers; support the goal of a sustainable and inclusive recovery of the aviation sector, through long-term policies that foster global collaboration, engagement, and partnership; and promote increased investment in innovation across public and private sectors, to advance future aviation technologies and solutions that advance the travel, logistics, and related industries.
Furthermore, they commit to enable the further human capital development of the aviation industry, by investing to meet current and future skills needs; as well as lead dialogue and action on sustainability; and champion the role of the aviation industry in contributing to positive global and national economic, social and cultural outcomes.