Kurt M. Campbell Deputy Secretary of State | Official Website
U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Transportation Affairs Heidi Gómez and Saudi Executive Vice President of Air Transport and International Cooperation Ali bin Mohammed Rajab signed a record of discussions on October 22, finalizing negotiations on a Protocol of Amendment to expand the U.S.-Saudi Arabia Air Transport Agreement of 2013. The signing occurred during the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Air Services Negotiation Event (ICAN2024) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The forthcoming Amendment will introduce seventh-freedom traffic rights for all-cargo operations to the bilateral Air Transport Agreement once it is signed and enters into force. These additional rights aim to enhance global goods movement by offering air carriers increased flexibility to efficiently meet cargo and express delivery demands.
Specifically, the Amendment allows U.S. airlines to transport cargo between Saudi Arabia and third countries without needing a stopover in the United States, which is crucial for cargo hub operations. Similarly, Saudi Arabian carriers will have equivalent rights to serve the United States. This development is expected to further strengthen economic and commercial ties between both nations.
For more information, contact the Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs Press Office at EB-Press-Inquiry@state.gov for press inquiries. Details about U.S. international aviation policy and air transport agreements can be found on the Department of State’s website: https://www.state.gov/civil-air-transport-agreements/.
