Civil Aviation: 200,000 Riyals Linear Maintenance License Fee

In a regulatory move aimed at enhancing the efficiency of the air transport sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) intends 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, independent activity requiring an economic license, in order to ensure that actual needs at airports are met according to well-defined strategic plans.

Details of new licensing fees and airport classification

Under the proposed draft, the authority has imposed a new financial structure for fees related to issuing economic licenses, which are valid for five years. The fee amount is linked to airport classifications to ensure fairness and economic viability, and the details are as follows:

• Category (A) Airports: The issuance fee has been set at 200,000 riyals , and this category includes major international airports with high operational density.
• Category (B) airports: The license renewal fees for them have been set at 100,000 riyals .
• Category (C) Airports: The fees for airports in this category amounted to 50,000 riyals .

This gradual increase in fees aims to enhance the financial sustainability of operating companies, prevent economic leakage, and ensure the seriousness of investors in this vital sector.

Context of the National Aviation Strategy

This regulatory move cannot be viewed in isolation from the broader context of the Kingdom's aviation sector. The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) operates within the framework of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 and the National Aviation Strategy, which aim to reach 330 million passengers annually and connect the Kingdom to 250 global destinations. Achieving these ambitious targets requires a highly efficient ground operations infrastructure, with in-line maintenance services being the backbone for ensuring flight punctuality and minimizing aircraft downtime.

What is linear maintenance?

The new regulations define "linear maintenance" as limited work performed while the aircraft is in the airside operating area, typically lasting no more than 24 hours. This work includes:

• Troubleshooting, diagnosing, and correcting minor defects.
• Replacing components using external testing equipment.
• Performing maintenance work that detects obvious faults without the need for complex inspections or dismantling major parts of the aircraft.

Enhancing safety and competitiveness

This regulation aims to address the previous regulatory gap in line maintenance activities, thereby curbing unethical and haphazard practices. It is expected to enhance aviation safety, as companies will be subject to stringent standards that ensure optimal resource utilization and the efficiency of their technical staff. The decision will also promote fair competition among service providers, positively impacting the quality of service offered to airlines and ultimately improving the passenger experience.

The Authority launched this project through the “Survey” platform to enable the public, interested parties, and the private sector to express their views, in an approach that reflects transparency and participation in decision-making before its final approval.