Brunei and Saudi Arabia have signed a newly updated Air Services Agreement (ASA) this week at the International Civil Aviation Negotiation 2024 (ICAN2024) conference.
The agreement, which updates a 1992 ASA, was signed by Brunei’s Minister of Transport and Infocommunications, Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Shamhary Mustapha, and Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) President, Abdulaziz Abdullah Al-Duailej.
This new agreement builds upon the memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Freedom of Air Traffic Rights signed in Riyadh earlier this year, further reinforcing the diplomatic ties established between Brunei and Saudi Arabia in 1987.
The enhanced ASA aligns with the latest International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards, allowing greater commercial air transport flexibility and enabling designated airlines from both countries to operate flights to each other’s international airports.
During a bilateral meeting before the signing, Minister Shamhary and President Al-Duailej discussed current aviation sector developments and potential challenges, emphasizing a shared commitment to strengthening connectivity.
Both leaders highlighted the importance of direct flight services for tourism, trade, and economic growth, acknowledging the need for infrastructure and capacity alignment in both countries’ airports.
The Brunei delegation also engaged in other discussions aimed at advancing Brunei’s aviation sector.
The minister met with Yuli Thompson, Regional Manager for Southeast Asia at the International Air Transport Association (IATA), where they discussed electronic cargo air waybill implementation, Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production, and visa policies to bolster tourism.
Throughout ICAN2024, Brunei pursued multiple negotiations on air service agreements, reinforcing its commitment to international aviation standards and air transport liberalization.
With 40 existing bilateral ASAs, Brunei is actively building its aviation network to support tourism and trade, and its goal of establishing itself as a regional air travel hub in Southeast Asia.
This latest ASA with Saudi Arabia represents a significant step forward in Brunei’s ambitions to boost international connectivity and appeal to global travellers and businesses.
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