Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications (MTIC) attends the Third Edition of Future Aviation Forum (FAF2024) and signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Aeronautical Authorities of Brunei Darussalam and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

1. The Government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Monday, 20 May 2024, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

2. The purpose of the newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), was to update the Freedom of the Air Traffic Rights that were previously agreed in the Air Services Agreement signed in 1992 and the Confidential Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2009. Among others, the new MOU now allows the operation of 3rd, 4th and 5th Freedom of the Air Traffic Rights for passenger and cargo services without restrictions. Under this MOU, designated airlines from Brunei Darussalam, including Royal Brunei, are permitted to operate to any destinations in Saudi Arabia, including to Medinah, as normal scheduled flights.

3. The signing ceremony was held during the Third Edition of the Future Aviation Forum (FAF2024) that took place at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center (KIACC) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from 20th to 22th May 2024 which was officiated by His Excellency Eng. Saleh bin Nasser Al Jasser, Minister of Transport and Logistic Services and Chairman of the Board of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) Saudi Arabia.

4. In attendance to witness the signing of the MOU on behalf of the Government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam were Yang Berhormat Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Shamhary bin Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Mustapha, Minister of Transport and Infocommunications, and His Excellency Haji Harun bin Haji Junid, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Brunei Darussalam to Saudi Arabia.

5. Signing on behalf of the Government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang DiPertuan of Brunei Darussalam was Yang Mulia Ir. Awang Haji Mohammad Nazri bin Haji Mohammad Yusof, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications and on behalf of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was Yang Mulia Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, President of General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), Saudi Arabia.

6. Yang Berhormat Minister of Transport and Infocommunications, also attended the Third Edition of Future Aviation Forum (FAF2024) that took place at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center (KIACC) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from 20th to 22th May 2024. The three-day forum focused on key areas crucial to the future of aviation: sustainability, innovation and technology, expanding business opportunities, and investing in human capital. Aside from plenary discussions, technical sessions and workshops also take place throughout the Forum.

7. Yang Mulia Ir. Awang Haji Mohammad Nazri bin Haji Mohammad Yusof, Permanent Secretary at Ministry of Transport and Infocomunications, Yang Mulia Awang Haji Mohamad Azlan bin Haji Mohammad Junaidi, Acting Director of Civil Aviation, Department of Civil Aviation, along with senior officials from the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications accompanied Yang Berhormat Minister of Transport and Infocommunications as part of the delegation to the Third Edition of Future Aviation Forum (FAF2024).

Prepared by:

Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications,

Brunei Darussalam