Doha, November 02 (QNA) - Under the patronage of HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, the 59th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Arab Air Carriers' Organization (AACO) officially kicked off on Monday.

Hosted by Qatar Airways from Nov. 2-4, the meeting will address the enhancement of regional cooperation and key challenges impacting the future of air transport in the Arab world.

The annual gathering brings together over 200 senior aviation executives and stakeholders, including chief executive officers of AACO member airlines, partner carriers, and representatives of leading organizations in the aviation industry.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer and AGM Chairman, Hamad Al Khater said: "This AACO gathering brings together the airlines of the Arab world, which collectively play a vital role in connecting people, businesses and economies across six continents. As our industry faces a very difficult period, with geopolitical developments continuing to disrupt global connectivity, regional cooperation has become our greatest strength.

"Our priority, together with our fellow AACO members, is to build on the partnerships this year has deepened, strengthening the resilience of our region and advancing a shared vision for the future of Arab aviation. Qatar Airways is honored to welcome this Assembly to Doha and to play its full part in that work."

In terms of figures, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer and AGM Chairman Hamad Al Khater revealed that the aviation sector in the Middle East currently supports 4 million jobs and contributes approximately USD 290 billion to the region's economic activity, accounting for one in every 20 jobs. The sector's economic contribution is projected to rise to USD 730 billion by 2043, with employment in the aviation sector across the Arab region expected to grow at a faster pace than in any other part of the world.

AACO Secretary General, Abdul Wahab Teffaha, said: "This Annual General Meeting provides an important platform to exchange views, strengthen cooperation, and identify practical solutions to our shared challenges. By working together, we can reinforce the competitiveness and resilience of Arab aviation and ensure its continued contribution to economic development and global connectivity."

"The aviation industry continues to face complex challenges, from geopolitical uncertainties and operational pressures to the growing need for environmental sustainability. Yet, Arab airlines have consistently demonstrated their ability to adapt, innovate, and maintain their vital role in global air connectivity," he said.

The AGM's working sessions, scheduled for Tuesday, 3 November 2026, will open with AACO Secretary General's ‘State of the Industry' report, offering an overview of the latest developments, challenges, and opportunities across the aviation sector. This will be followed by a speech by the Director General of the Arab Civil Aviation Organization (ACAO), Khalid Cherkaoui, and a presentation by Bloomberg examining the global economic outlook and its implications for aviation.

The program will also feature the Arab Aviation Summit, including a high-level panel discussion bringing together airline chief executives and aviation leaders to examine the industry's most pressing issues.

The summit will be followed by a closed-door session for AACO members to discuss internal and administrative matters, and address key strategic challenges affecting member airlines.

As the host of the 59th AACO AGM, Qatar Airways continues to support industry collaboration and the exchange of expertise across the aviation sector in the region.

The airline's extensive global network, connecting Doha to more than 170 global destinations through its award-winning hub, Hamad International Airport, reflects the importance of international connectivity to regional economic growth and global trade.

The Arab Air Carriers Organization (AACO), established in 1965 within the framework of the Arab League of States, is the Regional Association of the Arab Airlines who have their home base in country members of the Arab League, serves the Arab airlines, represents and defends their common interests regionally and globally, through creating joint frameworks that aim at developing economic and safe operations of its members.

AACO has 39 Member airlines. They operated in 2025 around 4,604 daily flights, serving 502 airports in 129 countries.

In addition, AACO has 5 Partner airlines, namely: AJet, Fly Jinnah, IAG International Airlines Group, Pegasus Airlines, and Turkish Airlines. (QNA)