Saudi Arabia’s Impressive Efforts Towards Aviation Sustainability
Saudi Arabia is on the brink of finalising a comprehensive plan to tackle the environmental impact of the civil aviation sector, according to a high-ranking official. The Civil Aviation Environmental Sustainability Plan (CAESP) is currently being developed by the Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) will concentrate on addressing the environmental challenges attributed to the expected growth in the country’s civil aviation sector.
With objectives to obey with global commitments such as the Paris Climate Agreement and the emission reduction targets set by the International Civil Aviation Organization, the plan seeks to mitigate the impact of greenhouse gas emissions. Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, the President of GACA, shared that the program is aimed at achieving Saudi Arabia’s zero-emission goal by 2060 through a comprehensive set of measures and practices adhering to the highest international standards.
During the third ICAO Conference on Aviation and Alternative Fuels in Dubai, where the Saudi delegation was present, Al-Duailej reiterated the Kingdom’s commitment to inclusive and impartial policies, providing equal opportunities for various methodologies and technologies in aviation. This, in turn, positions Saudi Arabia as a key contributor to global sustainability efforts and reflects the region’s broader dedication to environmentally responsible business practices.
Al-Duailej also shed light on Saudi Arabia’s significant strides in developing hydrogen fuel infrastructure and supply chains, with the aim of becoming a leading producer and exporter in the industry. He emphasized the leadership of Saudi Arabia in environmental protection at both national and international levels, within the framework of the ICAO, the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, and other international organizations.
The GACA president also highlighted several national-level achievements in recent years towards the country’s target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2060. These include initiatives such as the Circular Carbon Economy, which focuses on reducing carbon emissions, afforestation, and the preservation of marine and terrestrial areas. Furthermore, Al-Duailej stressed that new major projects in the Kingdom are being developed in line with the highest environmental sustainability standards in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030. Notably, examples such as the AMAALA and the Red Sea project, as well as the international airport, are designed from the beginning to be compatible with the goal of achieving net-zero emissions.
Aside from participating in the conference, the Saudi delegation held bilateral meetings with delegations from the US, the UK, China, Canada, Spain, India, Brazil, Nigeria, and Ethiopia. These discussions included a range of conference-related topics, as well as areas of mutual interest, with a focus on strengthening economic ties, exploring investment opportunities, and promoting collaboration in aviation transport.
In conclusion, Saudi Arabia’s dedication and substantial efforts towards aviation sustainability, as evidenced by the CAESP and the outreach to international partners, position the Kingdom as a key player in global sustainability initiatives and reaffirm its commitment to environmentally conscious policies.
