IATA Aviation Day MENA – Nick Careen’s Speech
By Nick Careen, IATA’s Senior Vice President Operations, Safety and Security.
Your Excellencies, Distinguished Ministers, Ladies and Gentlemen,
It’s a pleasure to be here in Saudi Arabia. My thanks to Saudia Airlines for their hospitality.
This is my first visit to the country, and I have to say, I’m impressed. The pace of change and ambition in Saudi aviation is remarkable. The sector is not just moving forward—it’s moving forward at speed. And that should make everyone in this room take notice.
The numbers speak for themselves. According to a recent IATA study, aviation and aviation-related tourism contributed a staggering USD 90.6 billion to the Saudi economy—8.5% of GDP. That’s a significant chunk. And let’s not forget the 1.4 million jobs that aviation supports across the country. More than 62,000 people are directly employed by airlines, and another 79,000 are working in the broader aviation ecosystem. In 2023, Saudi Arabia handled over 713,000 tons of air cargo.
This growth doesn’t happen by accident. It’s part of a clear, forward-thinking plan under Vision 2030 led by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The Kingdom has put aviation front and center in its strategy to diversify its economy, become more competitive, and connect globally. We’ve seen it in the development of new airports, the digital push, the workforce development, and the launch of national carriers like Riyadh Air.
But let’s be clear about something: this kind of growth doesn’t just happen on its own. It’s driven by ambition and clear decisions.
Looking ahead, global air travel is set to grow at 3.3% per year for the next 20 years. But the Middle East will grow faster—at 4.8%. Saudi Arabia is going to be at the heart of that.
But we also need to face a reality that’s difficult for some to accept: the region is not developing evenly.
Why is that? Well, the answer is simple.
These are interconnected challenges. But they are not insurmountable.
If we want to bridge this development gap, we must act collectively. A more integrated approach—built on shared interests and mutual support—can unlock the full potential of aviation in the Middle East.
Here’s what we need to do:
These steps form the basis of a more connected and resilient aviation ecosystem across the entire Middle East region—one where every country, regardless of size or income, has a seat at the table and a route to global integration.
The Middle East’s aviation story is one of ambition, transformation, and opportunity. Yet we must not overlook the disparities that persist.
The good news is this: the region has already proven that bold vision and strategic investment can yield extraordinary results. Now is the time to extend that spirit of cooperation beyond borders—to create partnerships that deliver benefits not just to individual states, but to the entire region.
A Middle East united by open skies, harmonized regulations, and shared innovation would be even more competitive, more resilient, and deliver even more economic and social benefits for people. And it would ensure that no country is left behind in aviation’s growth story.
At IATA, we remain committed to facilitating this dialogue and supporting regional stakeholders with data, insight, and advocacy. We stand ready to help build the frameworks and partnerships that will shape the future.
To every government, airline, and civil aviation authority in this room: Your success is everyone’s success. A rising tide lifts all boats—and in this case, all planes.
Let us work together—collaboratively and with purpose—to create a more connected, competitive, and sustainable future in the skies above the Middle East.
Thank you—and I wish you a successful conference.
https://www.iata.org/en/pressroom/2025-speeches/2025-05-06-01/