SAUDIA Hosts Meeting of the Executive Committee of the Arab Air Carriers’ Organization in Jeddah

• The 94th Arab Air Carriers’ Organization’s meeting explores promising tailwinds for sustainable aviation and digital transformation.

SAUDIA, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, has hosted the 94th Executive Committee meeting of the Arab Air Carriers’ Organization (AACO) in Jeddah. 

The meeting was chaired by His Excellency Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of SAUDIA Group and Chairman of AACO’s Executive Committee, in the presence of Mr. Abdul Wahab Teffaha, AACO Secretary General, along with Chairpersons and CEOs from the Committee member Arab airlines.

The Executive Committee oversees AACO’s overall work, with a focus on collaborative projects among its members. The Committee’s meeting sets the path for the 56th Annual General Meeting, which will be hosted in Riyadh between October 30 and November 1, 2023.

The meeting discussed the current state of the industry, including the recovery of the aviation sector and the increasing travel demand following the COVID-19 crisis. It also highlighted the world’s latest geopolitical challenges and their impacts, while delving into significant issues related to the environment and aviation. The meeting focused on the importance of digital transformation and developing innovative solutions that enable the airlines to improve their services and offer better experiences to their customers. 

Additionally, the Committee reviewed the latest developments of the current joint projects between AACO members, and some administrative and financial affairs for the organization.

His Excellency Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of SAUDIA Group and Chairman of AACO’s Executive Committee said: “AACO is diligently working to empower Arab airline companies, advocate for their common interests, and facilitate their collaboration to improve their operational efficiency and service quality. AACO also ensures ongoing coordination with related regulatory authorities to support its member airlines and preserve their interests, along with launching joint projects to improve efficiencies and reduce costs for its members, in line with applicable laws. 

“I hope that the meeting’s outcomes will serve as tailwinds for Arab airlines, empowering them to operate as per the highest safety and security standards, while aligning their policies with the most prominent and sustainable environmental goals.” He added. 

Mr. Abdul Wahab Teffaha, AACO Secretary General said: “I extend our gratitude to SAUDIA for hosting the Executive Committee’s meeting. The Executive Committee exceeded in performing its duties, such as overseeing AACO’s work, managing its strategic operations, and consolidating collaborative efforts among its members to promote the Arab aviation industry.”

The Arab Air Carriers’ Organization (AACO) is an association of 35 Arab airlines based in the Middle East and North Africa along with a number of partner airlines and industry partners. It operates in several fields, most prominently introducing and managing collaborative projects among its members, representing the Arab airlines and protecting their interests regionally and internationally, along with providing data and research on the Arab and global aviation industries. By leveraging its training centers and hosting leading forums and conferences, AACO strives to raise awareness on significant issues related to the aviation sector.