The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has signed a memorandum of cooperation (MoC) with Lilium GmbH, a leading German manufacturer of vertical take-off and landing aircraft (VOTL). 

 

The MoC will contribute to the development of the regulatory framework for advanced air mobility in Saudi Arabia. 

 

This MoC reinforces GACA's cooperation with international companies to enable advanced air mobility applications in the kingdom and comes in conjunction with its efforts to develop regulations and rules that encourage the growth of this type of mobility, and ensure the highest levels of safety, security and protection of passengers, reported SPA.

 

The signing of the MoC took place on the sidelines of GACA's participation in the Farnborough International Airshow 2024, which is held from 22 to 26 July, at Farnborough Airport in the United Kingdom, it stated.

 

"It reflects GACA's commitment to enabling innovative and sustainable air mobility solutions, in order to achieve the objectives of the National Aviation Strategy in line with the objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030," said GACA President Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al Duailej.

 

The authority seeks, by working with major international manufacturers, to establish a strong regulatory framework that ensures the safe and efficient operation of aircraft with vertical take-off and landing, and advanced air mobility applications," he noted.

 

Al Duailej said that this cooperation comes within the framework of the objectives of the sector's strategy and as an extension of the implementation of initiatives that support sustainability and environmental preservation. 

 

He pointed out that the Saudia Group recently signed a deal to purchase 100 electric aircraft with Lilium within an agreement that includes 50 confirmed aircraft and 50 optional aircraft. 

 

This will provide unprecedented solution and new air routes to connect the pilgrims to Makkah during the Hajj and Umrah seasons, said the GACA chief. 

 

It will also enable visitors to Saudi Arabia to quickly reach sports and entertainment events and tourist sites, in addition to linking the Kingdom's mega projects within the Vision 2030 with distinctive air services that keep pace with aspirations, he added.