ICAN 2023 opens in Riyadh

Hosted by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), the five-day event is the world’s largest platform for countries to negotiate aviation transport arrangements.

Formally opening the event, the Kingdom’s Minister of Transport and Logistics Services, His Excellency Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser said: “Saudi Arabia’s hosting of this prestigious global event reflects our desire to bring together the global aviation industry, to shape the future of aviation for the benefit of the world. We look forward to hosting global aviation leaders in the Kingdom, showcasing the unprecedented aviation opportunities being created through the National Transport and Logistics Strategy in support of Vision 2030.”

The President of GACA, His Excellency Abdulaziz Al-Duailej said: “GACA’s hosting of this event for the second time underscores Saudi Arabia’s dedication to the efforts of all present and to the ICAO’s vision for the sustainable growth of the global civil aviation system. This growth is being directly supported by the Saudi Aviation Strategy, which is establishing the Kingdom as a Middle East aviation leader, with a projected $100 billion investment and the goal of accommodating 330 million passengers by 2030.”

The President of the ICAO Council, Salvatore Sciacchitano said: “Since the launch of this negotiation platform in 2008, ICAN has hosted over 5,000 bilateral meetings, resulting in close to 4,000 agreements and arrangements on behalf of 160 States and all world regions. This year we are very happy to be welcoming around 100 States and expect more than 485 meetings to be conducted."

“These engagements will contribute importantly to the growth and sustainability of not only the international air transport industry, but also many other sectors with high dependency on air transport such as tourism and trade.”