Aircraft
Saudi Aviation Could Open Up Following Reorganization
Saudi aviation authority breaks free from defense ministry control
Saudi Arabian Airlines may face stiffer competition in the future.
Saudi Arabian Airlines may face stiffer competition in the future.

Civilian aviation regulation has effectively been removed from the control of the Saudi Arabian defense ministry following the death of former crown prince and defense minister, Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, in October.

On November 5, a royal decree confirmed that aviation has been separated from the remit of what was formerly called the Ministry of Defense and Aviation. It will now simply be called the Ministry of Defense and will be run by newly appointed defense minister, Prince Salman bin Abdel Aziz Al Saud. Observers within the Saudi industry have told AIN, on a not-for-attribution basis, that the change will be positive for aviation in clearing the way for a less restrictive operating and trading environment.