- 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)