“The recognition comes in the wake of the Kingdom’s position and its leading role in the advancement of air navigation services at all its airports,” Abdullah Rehami, president of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), said over the weekend. “The recognition is also due to the Kingdom’s distinguished geographical position as a meeting spot and a conduit for international traffic between the Middle East, Asia, Africa and Europe,” he told Arab News, adding that the announcement was made during a meeting of CANSO’s 14th conference held in Oslo, Norway, recently.

Rehami, who was also chosen as a member of the executive board of the organization and its representative to the Middle East for 2010-11, said the selection reflected the active role played by the Kingdom under the leadership of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah and the constant support given by Crown Prince Sultan.

CANSO Chairman Ashley Smoot said Rehami’s inclusion as a member of the executive council would contribute to continued growth of the organization’s activities, particularly in the Middle East.

CANSO members include presidents of the civil aviation authorities of New Zealand, Australia, Austria, Ireland, Spain and the United States, as well as the president of Boeing International.

The executive board adopted a number of resolutions during its meeting, including the adoption of the organization’s new strategy involving the activation of air safety standards, and the management and optimum usage of airspace, all in accordance with a strict measurement of airline performance and navigational service equipment.

It also calls for improving methods and procedures for coordination among providers of navigation services. This will in turn ensure the flow of air traffic and development of air navigation system, all in an effort to turn it into a more commercial environment in accordance with economic indicators.