JEDDAH: Weekly flights between Saudi Arabia and Ethiopia will increase from two to 14 under a memorandum of understanding the General Authority of Civil Aviation and the Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority (GACA) signed here Monday. Eng. Abdullah Rehaimi, president of GACA, who represented the Saudi side in the signing ceremony, said the agreement opens new markets and consumers will benefit from the increased number of flights. “This gives freedom to multiple companies to operate flights between the two countries in a suitable environment to ensure there are a number of options for travelers,” said Engineer Rehaimi, who noted that the airline industry is experiencing progressive growth. Col. Wosenyeleh Hunegnaw, director general of the Ethiopian organization, said the agreement will open horizons of economic cooperation between the two countries. “Saudi Arabia is witnessing a rapid economic growth and it is one of the best air transport markets targeted by the major airlines, thanks to its economic and religious status,” Colonel Hunegnaw said. The agreement includes operating seven cargo flights a week and development of air traffic between the two countries. The memorandum also provides for diversity recruitment for airlines to allow the entry of new airline to participate in the air transport market and promotes strategic alliances between the designated airlines, in addition to enforcing air safety standards. The two sides held discussions Saturday and Sunday at the General Authority of Civil Aviation's headquarters before signing the document, which replaces a memorandum of understanding signed in Jeddah in April 2001.
