KUWAIT CITY, June 22: Acting Director General of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Duaij Al-Otaibi, affirmed Saturday that Kuwait considers the civil aviation sector a key pillar in its national development plans, vital to supporting the economy and diversifying sources of income.

Speaking at the opening session of the one-day “Future of Aviation in the State of Kuwait” conference — organized by the Kuwait Society of Pilots and Aviation Engineers — Al-Otaibi said the aviation sector plays a strategic role in enhancing Kuwait’s regional and global position.

He emphasized that the next phase requires a comprehensive effort to develop air transport, improve aviation infrastructure, upgrade the national air fleet, and strengthen logistics services. Achieving this, he added, demands unified national efforts and strategic investment in Kuwait’s existing capabilities.

“Kuwait has been blessed with a unique geographical location in the northern Arabian Gulf, serving as a bridge between East and West,” Al-Otaibi said. “Coupled with our young and capable workforce—many of whom have benefited from high-quality education—the country is well-positioned to grow its aviation sector.”

He noted that Kuwait's financial resources, along with the availability of highly qualified national talents, place the country in a strong position to advance its aviation industry and remain competitive with international players in the region.

Al-Otaibi also stressed the importance of modernizing the fleet of the national carrier, Kuwait Airways, and acquiring additional aircraft to meet the growing demands of the sector. Expanding the airline's route network, he said, would increase operational efficiency and link Kuwait to new destinations across Asia, the Americas, Africa, and beyond.

Highlighting Kuwait’s ambitious infrastructure plans, he cited major projects such as the Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port, the new Terminal 2 (T2) at Kuwait International Airport—considered one of the most significant global airport developments—as well as a third runway, a new air traffic control tower, updated navigation and meteorological systems, and enhanced ground services.

Al-Otaibi revealed that nearly $5 billion has been invested into infrastructure projects, which necessitates maximizing operational efficiency and expanding global connections. Planned destinations include countries in the East such as Japan, Indonesia, Korea, China, and Australia, as well as in the West including South America, Los Angeles, Florida, and South Africa.

“The development of the air transport industry has become essential,” he said. “It will play a major role in diversifying income sources and could generate over 30 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP), while creating approximately 80,000 job opportunities over the next five years.”

Citing industry data, Al-Otaibi said the Gulf region’s aviation sector generated $300 billion in revenues in 2024, demonstrating the size of the opportunity available to Kuwait.

He stressed that increasing international routes will boost Kuwait’s economic activity, tourism, and trade, while also enhancing cargo operations and opening the door to new marketing and logistics opportunities — including the establishment of free trade zones at Kuwait International Airport.

In a supporting speech, Captain Muhannad Al-Ayyar, Chairman of the Kuwait Society of Pilots and Aviation Engineers, said Kuwait’s aviation sector has promising prospects if approached with a comprehensive strategic vision. He underscored the need to expand the number of aircraft operated by Kuwaiti carriers and broaden their destination networks to meet rising demand, especially given the large market share held by foreign airlines.

Al-Ayyar reiterated the association’s commitment to its national role, supporting education, technical training, and oversight, while offering strategic recommendations for shaping the future of the sector.

He emphasized the importance of strengthening national companies, developing strategies that match Kuwait’s aspirations, and investing in local talent to enhance the country’s leadership in regional aviation.

Al-Ayyar added that the association is actively involved in advancing aviation safety standards, education, technical audits, and professional development. It also supports national human resources in managing major aviation projects in accordance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards and Kuwait’s National Aviation Safety Plan (NASP).

The conference reviewed the progress of Terminal 2, which is expected to be operational by the end of 2026, as well as the completion of a third runway and the modernization of the air traffic control tower—developments that will collectively raise the airport's capacity to over 25 million passengers annually.

Also discussed was the recently completed Air Cargo City project by the Civil Aviation Authority. The facility is a central component of Kuwait’s strategy to become a regional logistics hub, aligned with the country's long-term "New Kuwait" development vision. The project is expected to revolutionize the cargo sector, especially amid the growing global reliance on e-commerce.

The conference served as a platform to examine future challenges and opportunities in aviation, promote cooperation between public institutions and the private sector, and ensure alignment with global best practices in this rapidly evolving field.

Established in 1973, the Kuwait Society of Pilots and Aviation Engineers continues to serve its members, protect their professional rights, elevate their skills, and promote aviation culture throughout society.