The FAI conducted a site visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia last weekend in preparation for the 118th FAI General Conference, which is set to take place from 19 to 21 November 2024 in Riyadh.

FAI Secretary General Markus Haggeney, FAI Members Manager Kamila Vokoun Hajkova, and FAI IT Manager Visa-Matti Leinikki inspected the proposed venues for the 2024 General Conference and visited the planned social activities, including Diriyah City and the historic Masmak Fortress. They also spent time at the Al Thumamah Airport, the home airfield of Saudi Aviation Club and the venue for the "Sand and Fun Air Show", Saudi Arabia's foremost and prestigious airshow. The airshow is scheduled to coincide with the Conference, allowing participants to attend and experience this exciting event.

During the trip, the FAI team were introduced to the General Supervisor of the Saudi Aviation Club (SAC), Dr. Ahmad F. Alfahald, and met with Farres Moneer, SAC Executive Director, as well as members of various air sport association representatives (top picture). The visit was undertaken with the attentive support of pilot and SAC member Ms Rahaf Aljudaie, who accompanied the FAI staff during the two days in all the meetings and activities.

Markus Haggeney was highly satisfied by the visit, stating,

"The visit was meticulously planned and executed without a hitch, setting a promising precedent for the upcoming General Conference. We extend our gratitude to our Saudi friends for their warm reception, insightful briefings, and demonstration of their preparedness to host the Conference under optimal conditions."

The visit provided the opportunity to engage in detailed discussions regarding various aspects of conference preparation (l to r: Kamila Vokoun Hajkova, Rahaf Aljudaie, Visa-Matti Leinikki, Muhammad Imran)

General Conference main deadlines

• 19 August:
  • Nominations - FAI Vice-Presidents
  • Agenda proposals
• 5 October: Nominations - FAI Executive Directors
• 19 October: Publication of the Agenda
• More information about the General Conference