JEDDAH, 29 August 2005 — Crown Prince Sultan, deputy premier and minister of defense and aviation, yesterday vowed to improve airport services for both passengers and airline companies and bring them up to the best international standards.
In a statement issued yesterday, Prince Sultan also said that the new Civil Aviation Law had been drafted considering new developments in the world of civil aviation and the requirements of this “dynamic and fast developing” industry. He referred to the Cabinet decision transforming the civil aviation authority into an independent corporation that would be managed on a commercial basis.
“The Civil Aviation Corporation (CAC) will work hard to improve the standard of services provided by airports to passengers, airline companies and businessmen and has made a number of efforts so that the new law reflects these positive trends,” said Prince Sultan, who is also CAC’s chairman.
Noting the intense competition witnessed by the civil aviation industry, he said it demanded from the government to prepare itself with necessary rules and systems in order to fulfill operational requirements.
The new law, which was passed by the Cabinet last week, emphasized the Kingdom’s sovereignty and control over civilian airports, planes and air operations. “It was drafted after years of detailed studies and hard work,” the crown prince pointed out.
The 150-member Shoura Council earlier endorsed the law that came amid reports that the Kingdom would soon give licenses for the operation of private airlines.
A number of private Saudi companies have already expressed their desire to operate airlines in the Kingdom. The new law affirms government control over airports and aviation activities, including private aircraft used by individual Saudis.
Saudi Arabia is an active member of the Civil Aviation Organization and is keen on fulfilling its international commitments in terms of applying standards that will contribute to developing the industry, Prince Sultan said. The law affirms implementation of all international aviation charters and pacts.
The crown prince noted the civil aviation sector’s vital role in boosting social and economic development.
“The sector requires adequate rules and regulations in order to take off to greater heights, face competition and realize security and safety of aircraft at Saudi airports and air space,” he added.
According to the Saudi Press Agency, the new law will determine the use, registration and airworthiness of aircraft, regulate air operations and safety measures, protect the environment and guarantee investment in aircraft.
