JEDDAH, 29 March 2005 — The Shoura Council has finished debating the Kingdom’s first full-fledged civil aviation law to regulate air transportation in Saudi air space amid reports that the government will give licenses to private airlines in six months.
Dr. Hamoud Al-Badr, secretary-general of the council, said the new law, which has 176 articles, was drafted keeping in mind the latest developments in aviation industry. “It deals with all issues related to air transportation,” he added.
The Kingdom has already transformed the Civil Aviation Authority into an independent corporation that works on a commercial basis. The Council of Ministers recently approved the corporation’s organizational setup.
Al-Badr said the new law reaffirms Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty over its air space and the government control over airports, and aviation activities, including private aircraft used by Saudi individuals. It also affirms implementation of all international aviation charters and pacts.
“The law comprises comprehensive but flexible rules and regulations to organize air transportation and airline companies and to build and operate airports and air traffic facilities,” Al-Badr told the Saudi Press Agency.
The new law will determine the use, registration and airworthiness of aircraft, regulate air operations and safety measures, protect environment and guarantee investment in aircraft.
“The law will also tackle crimes committed to undermine aviation safety and specifies punishments for those who violate the rules,” Al-Badr said.
According to a report carried by Al-Madinah Arabic daily, licensing of private airlines to operate domestic flights will start within six months. The corporation is expected to invite companies, which have already applied for licenses, for talks within weeks.
The sources believed that domestic fares would come down 15 to 25 percent with the arrival of new airlines. Saudi Arabia is one of the fast growing air transport market in the Middle East. The number of domestic passengers is poised to cross 10 million this year.
