Saudi Arabia’s Air Connectivity Program (ACP) is seeking to attract a further 10 new airlines to the country over the next 12 months, targeting carriers from the U.S., Europe and Asia.
However, securing new bilateral air transport agreements will be key to the kingdom achieving its aviation ambitions of reaching 300 million air passengers and 150 million tourists by 2030, according to ACP CEO Majid Khan.
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GLOSaudi Arabia’s Air Connectivity Program (ACP) aims to attract an additional 10 airlines to the country within the next year, focusing on carriers from the U.S., Europe, and Asia.
Securing new bilateral air transport agreements is essential for Saudi Arabia to meet its ambitious aviation targets of 300 million air passengers and 150 million tourists by 2030, according to ACP CEO Majid Khan.
“We’re on track to reach 150 million tourists by 2030, but expanding capacity is crucial, and for that, we need the support of Saudi Arabia’s civil aviation authorities to ensure no barriers on the bilateral front,” Khan told Aviation Week at the Super Terminal Expo in Hong Kong.
Khan noted that the Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has been “very supportive,” with several new air transport agreements and memorandums of understanding signed in recent months. However, challenges remain in markets such as France, Japan, Malaysia, and parts of Scandinavia. “Securing these agreements is critical to opening new routes and supporting seamless operations for our carriers,” he added.
The ACP has already surpassed its 2024 goals by adding 22 new routes and attracting 12 international airlines. New routes include British Airways flights between London Heathrow and Jeddah, which began on Nov. 4, and Transavia France’s planned routes from Paris Orly and Lyon to Jeddah, starting in December. Virgin Atlantic will also enter the Saudi market next March with a route from London Heathrow to Riyadh.
Highlighting the Chinese market, seen as vital for future growth, Khan reported successes with Air China, China Eastern Airlines, and China Southern Airlines now operating in Saudi Arabia, adding 300,000 seats from China over last year. Yet, to meet their target of 5 million Chinese tourists by 2030—currently under 500,000—further growth is needed.
ACP is also working to establish direct routes to underserved destinations such as Jakarta, Indonesia, and Atlanta, Georgia. Atlanta is a key target as a hub for Saudia’s SkyTeam partner Delta Air Lines, providing broad access to the U.S. market. “A direct Atlanta connection would open vast business and leisure travel opportunities between Saudi Arabia and the U.S.,” said Khan.
Additionally, Wizz Air is set to launch its first Airbus A321XLR route next March, connecting London Gatwick to Jeddah. “The XLR is transformative for us,” Khan noted, “enabling airlines to create routes that were previously out of reach.”
Source: Aviation Week
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