Saudi Arabia and Lithuania have this week signed an agreement on air transport that is expected to boost connectivity between the two countries.
The Lithuanian transport ministry said the agreement will enable passenger and cargo aircraft to fly to the Middle East from other nations as well as Lithuania.
During his visit to Saudi Arabia in 2023, the Lithuanian transport minister Marius Skuodis, and Saleh Bin Nasser Al-Jasser, his Saudi Arabian counterpart, signed a Letter of Intent to conclude a bilateral air services agreement. The agreement was signed in Riyadh on Monday.
“We see the Saudi Arabian aviation market as very promising and the demand for services is growing, so the signing of this agreement marks an important step towards further dialogue for smoother bilateral co-operation in the field of transport,” said Skuodis.
“This agreement will open up opportunities for the organisation of both passenger and cargo air transport, and Lithuanian companies are ready for this.”
Ramūnas Davidonis, Lithuanian ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (left), and Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, president of the Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (right), signed the agreement on Monday
The transport ministry added that the Saudi Arabian aviation market “may become a niche for Lithuanian-registered airline companies” to maintain their aircraft load factor during the winter season.
Demand for air transport services in Saudi Arabia remains relevant throughout the year, as pilgrims from all over the world travel to the city of Mecca, it said.
The provisions of the agreement govern the operation of scheduled air services by airlines, granting and revocation of authorisations, application of tariffs, aviation security, flight safety, recognition of certificates and licences, provision of ground handling services and leasing of aircraft.
There are nine registered air carriers in Lithuania, with a combined fleet of 68 aircraft operating commercial flights.