PR95871

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, May 9, 2022 /PRNewswire=KYODO JBN/ --

- Led by Saudi Arabia, the Harmonising Air Travel policy will transform the

traveler experience by creating a single, trusted source of information on

entry requirements for international travelers

   *  The global aviation policy has been developed in cooperation with the

      UN's International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)

   *  The Harmonising Air Travel policy seeks to boost the recovery of the

      global aviation sector

   *  The policy framework was unveiled at the Kingdom's inaugural Future

      Aviation Forum and will be formally presented at the 41st ICAO General

      Assembly later in 2022

    Saudi Arabia's General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has announced the

Harmonising Air Travel policy, a framework that will make international travel

simpler, easier and more enjoyable by removing the confusion over travel

requirements currently discouraging millions of people from booking flights.

    Designed in cooperation with the UN's International Civil Aviation

Organisation (ICAO), the proposed framework will eradicate international travel

confusion for passengers, carriers and governments by creating a single, clear,

up-to-date online resource setting out requirements for entry to all

participating countries.

    The policy will be submitted to the International Civil Aviation

Organisation (ICAO) General Assembly with the objective of receiving approval

from Member States in October of this year.

    GACA President HE Abdulaziz bin Abdullah al-Duailej said: "The pandemic

exposed how disconnected the world really is. Our research shows that many

people chose not to travel in 2021 – and will not travel in 2022 – because of

confusing health requirements to get from country to country.  We are delighted

to launch the Harmonising Air Travel policy, a proposed framework that will

unify and strengthen our industry by enabling it to navigate future health

crises.

    "Aviation is the lifeblood of the global economy, and it is crucial to

safeguard it from future disruption. The Harmonising Air Travel policy

framework demonstrates the leadership role Saudi Arabia is taking to ensure

that the sector thrives in the years to come."

    According to recent YouGov research, currently 32 percent of Americans, 47

percent of people in the Gulf, 40 percent of people in Italy and 40 percent of

people in the UK say confusion over health requirements will prevent them from

travelling in 2022.

    The policy will create a harmonised international reporting mechanism for

health crises using purpose-built digital communications tools, world-class

governance and coordination processes, and a system that will facilitate

universal compliance, such as a globally-recognised Digital Health certificate.

    As a result, travelers will have access to clear guidelines and

requirements needed to get from origin to arrival. The universal platform will

be able to integrate all existing international aviation and

government-to-government health crises communication systems.  

    The Harmonising Air Travel policy white paper was launched at the inaugural

Future Aviation Forum in Riyadh. Hosted by GACA, global leaders, aviation heads

and regulators convened to find solutions to the sector's greatest challenges –

including passenger experience, sustainability and business recovery

post-COVID.  

    Saudi Arabia aims to become the Middle East's pre-eminent aviation hub.

Its' transport and logistics sector, a major pillar of the Vision 2030 economic

transformation plan, is undergoing rapid development. The Kingdom aims to

generate 356 billion SAR – or just under $100 billion USD – in investment into

its aviation sector by 2030.

    For more information or get in touch with the Future Aviation Forum media

team, please contact FAFmedia@consulum.com.

    About the Future Aviation Forum:

    The inaugural Future Aviation Forum is a premier networking and deal-making

event that connects global aviation leaders to shape the evolution of

international air travel, drive forward solutions in a post-pandemic world and

ensure that the sector thrives in the years to come. Held from the 9-11 May in

Riyadh, it features more than 120 speakers, with over 2,000 attendees and

representatives from every continent. Delegates will attend 40 sessions,

focusing on three core thematic pillars: passenger experience, sustainability,

and business recovery post-Covid.

    Hosted by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) under the

patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz,

the Forum will propel Saudi Arabia's emergence as the region's pre-eminent

aviation hub.

    For more information, please visit https://www.futureaviationforum.com/

    Future Aviation Forum on social media:

    Twitter - https://twitter.com/FAF_Saudi

    LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/futureaviationforum/

    YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX16r5UYLzUoWeHJ4yw8QdQ

    Photo:

https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1813220/White_Paper_Master_Infographic.jpg

    Source: General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA)