Saudi Aviation Sector Takes Flight: Contributing $53bn to Economy and Supporting 958,000 Jobs

Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector has reached new heights, contributing a staggering $53 billion to the Kingdom’s economy and supporting a remarkable 958,000 jobs.

According to a recent report, the civil aviation sector alone contributed $20.8 billion to the economy, while the tourism sector added a further $32.2 billion. The sector also provides a significant source of employment, with 241,000 jobs in the civil aviation sector and approximately 717,000 jobs in the tourism sector.

This growth aligns with the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy and promote sustainable development. The sector’s performance has exceeded global averages, with international seat capacity increasing by 123% compared to pre-pandemic levels.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) will launch the first report on the state of the aviation sector in the Kingdom during the Future Aviation Forum 2024, held from May 20 to 22, 2024. The forum, themed “Enhancing the Level of Global Connectivity,” will address the significant transformations taking place in the aviation sector.

Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistics Services and Chairman of the Board of Directors of GACA, Eng. Saleh Al-Jasser, emphasized that the Saudi aviation sector is witnessing major leaps, driven by international indicators and a constant transformation in support of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.

The sector’s growth prospects look promising, with opportunities emerging in air transport and logistics. As the Kingdom continues to invest in its aviation sector, it is likely to become a key driver of economic growth and development.