Saudi Regulator Approves China Southern Airlines Services

Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has granted approval to China Southern Airlines to commence passenger and cargo operations starting April 16. The airline will operate flights from Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen to Riyadh.

The upcoming summer schedule for 2024 will feature four weekly passenger flights along with three air cargo flights.

Expressing enthusiasm about the development, Ali Mohammed Rajab, the Executive Vice-President for Air Transport and International Cooperation, emphasized the positive impact on Saudi Arabia’s global connectivity. He described the move as a significant step forward in achieving the objectives outlined in the Saudi Aviation Strategy, ultimately leading to a more competitive and robust aviation and tourism sector.

This announcement underscores Saudi Arabia's commitment to unlocking unprecedented aviation opportunities and enhancing global connectivity.

The approval follows a productive visit by a Saudi delegation to China in February 2024, during which a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed to strengthen cooperation in air transport and airfreight. The MoU was signed by GACA President Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Dauilej and Civil Aviation Administration of China Administrator Song Zhiyong.

The introduction of these new routes is expected to fortify the Kingdom's global connectivity and foster greater competition within the Saudi aviation sector.

Aligned with the broader goals of the Saudi Aviation Strategy, which aims to double the Kingdom’s connectivity by the end of the decade, these initiatives will be supported by dedicated programs such as the Saudi Air Connectivity Program, designed to bolster the aviation and tourism sectors.

Overall, the approval granted to China Southern Airlines marks a significant milestone in Saudi Arabia's efforts to expand its aviation landscape and strengthen ties with international partners in the aviation industry.