The General Authority for Civil Aviation (GACA) celebrated for the first time the International Day of the Air Traffic Controller on Oct. 20.

GACA CEO Prince Fahad bin Abdullah said this occasion coincides with nationalizing jobs in this sector.

“It makes us proud that all air controllers are well qualified Saudis,” he said and commended their vital role in maintaining the safety of air movement in Saudi airports. Their work needs accuracy and precision, he said.

Around 515 young Saudi men cover air traffic control services after they have undergone intensive training that extended to four years. Each air traffic controller can deal with 40 planes simultaneously and helps 795 daily passengers to land safely at their different locations. Controllers are under increasing pressure during the Haj and Umrah seasons, and during unstable weather conditions.

GACA Deputy President Faisal Al-Sqair said the Kingdom enjoys a pioneering position in the aviation field. It has a complete system that offers the best modern aviation standards, which ensure high levels of safety and security in addition to the smooth air traffic movement.

Al-Sqair said GACA is implementing plans and programs to increase the number of air traffic controllers to keep up with the growing air movement in Saudi airports and air space through local programs in the Saudi Academy of Civil Aviation, and through external programs. This is in cooperation with the Ministry of Higher Education within the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Scholarship Program.

The air control profession is currently 100 percent nationalized, which points to the continuing development in this field.

The deputy president said the process of rehabilitation of air control is subject to meticulous procedures according to international standards.

These begin with the recruiting process and academic study and hands-on field training to obtain a license to work as air traffic controller. Qualified personnel has the knowledge to apply systems and procedures of the International Civil Aviation Organization and carry the safety procedures in the air traffic movements at the Kingdom’s airports.