Rabat: General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) President and Arab Civil Aviation Organization (ACAO) Executive Council Chairman Abdulaziz Al-Duailej chaired today the 72nd session of the council, held in Rabat, Morocco. The meeting was attended by heads of delegations from member states, the director general of ACAO, and a representative from the League of Arab States.
According to Saudi Press Agency, Al-Duailej, in his opening remarks, welcomed the decision to expand the executive council’s membership from nine to 11 members, highlighting it as an institutional advancement rooted in a belief in broader participation and the enrichment of perspectives and expertise. He welcomed Tunisia and Yemen as new council members, noting the valuable contributions they are expected to bring to the council’s discussions and outcomes.
He emphasized that the meeting agenda includes critical organizational and technical topics impacting the future of Arab civil aviation. These topics require collaborative action to generate recommendations that align with global developments and address challenges in regulatory, technical, and economic domains. He highlighted the sector’s transformation, including the adoption of smart airspace management technologies, digital transformation in airports, and the expansion of aviation safety systems within the framework of international environmental commitments.
Al-Duailej also underscored the importance of forming a unified Arab vision on civil aviation issues to strengthen its position in international air transport. He stated the need to redefine the Arab presence as an influential force in the global aviation sector through a unified perspective and strategic presence in international forums.
He stressed the necessity for collective preparation for the upcoming International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Council elections during its General Assembly in 2025, calling for the nomination of a unified Arab candidate to ensure the retention of this influential seat.
Al-Duailej further highlighted the role of Arab human capital in building strong aviation institutions, calling for investments in national talent through advanced training programs and reinforcing evaluation mechanisms linked to performance indicators.
He also called for a review of ACAO’s technical structure and urged the adoption of regional technical solidarity programs. These steps are aimed at strengthening ACAO’s global presence through knowledge exchange and fostering international cooperation, ultimately empowering member states and enhancing institutional effectiveness.
Following his address, the council reviewed the organization’s governance, technical, and financial matters. Discussions included follow-up on the recommendations of the 71st session, approval of outputs from ACAO’s technical committees, and updates on the implementation of ACAO’s annual activity program and developments in global and Arab air transport.
