Agreement on Air Traffic between Georgia and Saudi Arabia Signed

The Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, Akaki Saghirashvili, signed an Agreement on Air Traffic with the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Saghirashvili, together with the delegation of the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development, were in Saudi Arabia to participate to the Global Aviation Summit.

“The Agreement is based on a liberal, 'open sky' principle which allows air companies to independently define the capacities and the frequency of the flights as well as the destinations”, the Deputy Minister said. This should make it even more attractive for air companies to launch direct regular flights, and could also strengthen the trade and economic relations and the development of tourism between the two countries.

During the Summit, he delivered a speech and highlighted that the transport sector, including civil aviation, is one of the priority sectors of the economic development in Georgia and one of the largest employers generating jobs in the country. He added that Georgia is pursuing a liberal political course in civilian aviation, which has led to an increased annual traffic flow. The increase of tourism and the entry of new airlines in the market enabled an increase of passenger inflow at the Georgian airports. Indeed, in 2018, the number of passengers served at Georgian airports is 24% higher compared to 2017.

Saghirashvili also talked about the active working process aiming at improving the aviation infrastructure. He wants to provide safe services for the constantly increasing air transit routes. According to the last audit conducted by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in terms of aviation safety and security, Georgia’s overall rate for effective implementation of international aviation standards and practice of civil aviation equals to 87,64%.

By Gabrielle Colchen

Photo Source: wwww.economy.ge