The air transport sector in the Arab world is at the forefront of the prosperity of Arab countries economies. Referring to the development indicators, in 2018, this sector witnessed an increase of 4.6% compared to 2017 in terms of passengers, while it is expected that the growth will continue in the coming years, by virtue of the geographic location of the region and its cultural and religious specificities, as well as the availability of high quality infrastructure and services. All these factors contributed strongly in securing a 3.6% GDP, while also contributing with 7.8% about 160 million US dollars in the Arab region, exceeding 14% in some countries, whilst providing more than 63 million jobs, including 6 million in Arab countries. In recent years, the air transport sector, which differs from other means of transportation in terms of speed, efficiency, regularity and high level of safety, and is based on standards that include an institutional, legal, financial and technical framework, has witnessed significant growth in air traffic despite the impact of the painful events and economic or financial crises facing all countries on a global perspective.

The sustainability of this growth demonstrates the maturity of the air transport sector and its great ability to cope with various risks, and reach broad segments of users, thanks to the reduction of tariffs and the implementation of new management systems, and the use of information and communication technologies.

The year 2018 was also rich in terms of a series of initiatives and achievements conducted by Arab countries in this regard, and this is an opportunity to pay tribute to the continuous efforts of the Arab civil aviation authorities.

There is no doubt that this boom is the result of a serious work of promising energies and staff working in the Arab civil aviation sector. In this context, the Arab Civil Aviation Organization (ACAO) is working to establish a framework to encourage these energies, through its engagement in organizing annual events crowned by incentive awards in recognition of efforts in developing the aviation sector in the Arab world, and encouraging the institutions and companies and staff driving the civil aviation development besides highlighting outstanding examples in the economic, social and tourism development process. All this in view of the important role played by the air transport sector in the sustainable development of Member States, and in taking forward these institutions to excel at the regional and global levels.

We hope that these projects will contribute to further strengthening Arab cooperation and integration in the field of air transport, especially as our organization enjoys the support of its Member States. This support spurs us to work faster and more vigorously to achieve the objectives set forth in its founding agreement. The choice of organizing these activities is the result of deep reflection to impart the spirit of solidarity, determination, will and innovation to the work of the Organization and the Member States, and lead it towards excellence.

With the involvement of all within a long-term vision, we will work to strengthen cooperation between us on the one hand, and regional and international organizations on the one hand, as well as all actors in the aviation sector globally, in order to highlight Arab energies and our Organization is considered a key player in this framework.

* By: Abdenbi Manar

Director General of the Arab Civil Aviation Organization