In a regulatory move aimed at enhancing the efficiency of the aviation sector in Saudi Arabia, the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) announced its intention to make significant amendments to the economic regulations for ground handling and air cargo services. These amendments center on including "linear maintenance" as a formal activity requiring an economic license, ensuring that actual needs at airports are met according to well-defined plans and international standards.
Strategic context for developing the aviation sector
This regulatory move aligns with the objectives of the National Aviation Strategy, stemming from the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which aims to transform Saudi Arabia into a global logistics hub and increase airport capacity. Regulating line maintenance services is a cornerstone for ensuring operational safety, as this regulation eliminates the haphazard practices and lack of clear oversight that previously plagued this sector. This ensures the optimal use of available resources and enhances the sector's attractiveness to both local and international investors.
Licensing fee structure and airport classification
Under the new amendments, the authority imposed a specific financial structure for issuing economic licenses for a period of five years, based on the classification of airports and the volume of operational traffic in them:
- Category (A) Airports: The issuance fee was set at 200,000 riyals , which reflects the market size and investment opportunities in major airports.
- Category (B) Airports: License renewal fees have been set at 100,000 riyals .
- Category (C) airports: The fees amounted to 50,000 riyals , taking into account the operational intensity and to enhance the financial sustainability of companies operating in these airports.
This gradual increase in fees aims to stop economic leakage and ensure the seriousness and efficiency of companies applying to provide services in this vital sector.
What is linear maintenance?
The new regulations define "linear maintenance" as limited technical work performed while the aircraft is in the airside operating area. This work typically lasts no more than 24 hours and includes troubleshooting and diagnosing faults, correcting minor defects, and replacing components using external testing equipment. The new license also allows for maintenance work that detects obvious faults in visible structural and engine components without requiring complex inspections that necessitate disassembling major aircraft parts.
Enhancing safety and competitiveness
This decision is expected to enhance aviation safety by subjecting all service providers to rigorous oversight and standardized criteria. This, in turn, will lead to increased competitiveness and improved service quality for airlines, positively impacting flight punctuality and the passenger experience. The authority launched the project through a public consultation platform to allow the public and private sector to provide feedback, thus promoting transparency and participatory decision-making before its final approval.
