The Saudi General Aviation Airshow (Sand & Fun 2024) wrapped up on Saturday, after 5 days of innovative air maneuvers and interactive activities that showcased Saudi Arabia’s aviation capabilities and excellence.
The flagship aviation event, held at Thumama Airport in Riyadh, featured a diverse array of unforgettable experiences that catered to the needs of all age groups, inspiring the future generation of aviation enthusiasts.
Hangar Talks
Among Sand & Fun 2024 engaging experiences is the Hangar Talks. The event managed to draw a large turnout of audiences who are keen to learn more about aviation technology. With in-depth discussions, inspiring stories, and exciting experiences, the Hangar Talks appealed to a large number of visitors.
The Hangar Talks provided a closer look at the aviation landscape in Saudi Arabia and worldwide. It gathered more than 30 renowned speakers in over 20 sessions. Each one of them shared stories and exciting adventures from the cockpit and offered deep insights into innovative travel strategies.
Exploring Aviation Industry
Throughout the event, the Hangar Talks attracted industry professionals, enthusiasts and innovators interested in learning more about aviation and aerospace. The event featured sessions highlighting the past, present and future of the aviation industry.
On its opening day, the Hangar Talks presented a session on the Transformation of the Saudi Aviation Industry, led by the President of the General Authority for Civil Aviation (GACA), Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, and attended by the General Supervisor of the Saudi Aviation Club (SAC), Ahmed Al-Fahaid.
According to a press release, the discussion reflected Saudi Arabia’s visionary thinking, by displaying the significant progress in the Kingdom’s aviation sector. This includes modernizing the sector’s infrastructure, introducing regulations, and strengthening Saudi Arabia’s position as a global leader in aviation.
Aviation Adventures
During the first day of Sand & Fun 2024, the Founder and Chairman of the Saudi Aviation Club, Prince Sultan bin Salman Al Saud, hosted a thrilling discussion on the South Pole Trip. The session saw the participation of adventurers Marcus Itten, Ken Allen, Anne Kershaw, and Nick Commande, in addition to Michael DiGaspari via Zoom.
They shared their exciting experiences during the amazing trip to explore one of the most extreme territories on Earth. Their stories showed resilience and skills, underscoring that the spirit of exploration is at the core of aviation.
Furthermore, the first day featured an interesting panel on the Saudi Mission to Space, with the participation of Saudi astronauts Rayyanah Barnawi and Ali Al-Qarni. The two skilled astronauts shared inspiring stories about their journeys and experiences in space exploration.
الحماس في أعلى معدلاته! 🚀
لقطات متنوعة لتجارب ضيوفنا وعروض ساند اند فن المبهرة! 🎆📸
ننتظركم للاحتفال معنا اليوم وحتى 23 نوفمبر! 🎟️ 📆
احجز تذكرتك الانhttps://t.co/ibkOw615kG#المعرض_السعودي_للطيران_العام_٢٠٢٤
The excitement is at its here! 🚀
A variety of highlights from… pic.twitter.com/ItQdMyXnv4
— نادي الطيران السعودي (@AviationClub_Sa) November 22, 2024
The session also touched upon the innovation in space technology on a global scale, with insights from the Deputy Governor of the Space Sector at the Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CSTC), Frank Salzgeber, and Director of Space Ecosystem at CSTC, Waleed Al-Saleh. It offered an engaging discussion on Saudi Arabia’s promising role in the future of space exploration.
Professional Insights
The second day of the Hangar Talks featured personal stories and experiences from aviation professionals. The Life in Aviation session featured deep insights on the opportunities and challenges of aviation careers. The session also offered valuable advice to future pilots from Brad Wollen, VP & GM at Clay Lacy Aviation; Long Bach Nguyen, a professional pilot and Kodiak instructor; and Pervez Iqbal, a pilot at Midroc Aviation.
At the Early Saudi Aviators session, the early history of aviation in Saudi Arabia was unveiled by inspiring stories from the books of Nawaf Nahar Al-Nassar, and Michael Saba.
Moreover, the second day highlighted the role of women in Saudi aviation sector, with a session titled Saudi Women Aviators. It featured Princess Sama bint Faisal Al Saud, Adwa Al-Dakheel, Rahaf Al Judaie, and Ahlam Al Subaie, who shared their inspiring journeys and successes in the aviation industry.
Innovative Approaches
The Hangar Talks at Sand & fun 2024 featured a technical dimension at the event’s third day, with the Aircraft Accident Investigation session. The Director General of the Saudi Aviation Investigation Bureau, Mohammed Barrangi, and the Director of Legislations at GACA, Hatim Murad, explored procedures to ensure aviation safety. Meanwhile, Robert V. Meder of NAFI and Ahmed Elnadi highlighted the ethical obligations of aviators in the Moral Obligations of Being an Aviator session.
In addition, Life in Aviation & Restoration session featured a discussion for Jeffrey Whitesell, Ken Hoffman, and Muneer Bakhsh on the cultural significance of aircraft restoration and the innovative approaches that shape the aviation industry’s future.
After that, the World Records Around the Globe shed light on aviation history through the adventures of Mark E. Calkins, a corporate pilot who set a world record orbiting the world in a Learjet 35A, and Mishaal F. Al Sudairy, the first Saudi pilot to complete a solo circumnavigation.
At the end of the day, Dr. Thomas Drekonja and Salman Alalmaee hosted the Pilot Health & Fitness session, in which they discussed mental and physical challenges facing aviators in addition to offering advice on maintaining well-being.
Hot Air Balloons
Sand & Fun 2024 featured captivating aerobatic shows and innovative displays that impressed audiences. In a brand-new experience, the Saudi Hot Air Balloon Federation took part in the large aviation event with a colorful showcase of hot air balloons. This innovative experience aimed to inspire youth by raising awareness about hot air ballooning.
In an encouraging experience for women and youth alike, the event featured the participation of Afrah Al-Harbi, the first female Saudi hot air balloon pilot to graduate from the Federation, according to Arab News.
Al-Harbi is a source of inspiration for Saudi women who want to discover the exciting experience of hot air ballooning. She is also an example of Saudi women empowerment and the expanding female representation across various fields, such as aviation.
The Saudi Hot Air Balloon Federation seeks to elevate the sport and increase Saudi Arabia’s international participation in hot air ballooning events. To this end, the Federation, based in AlUla, organizes several festivals and events that aim to promote the sport and showcase the region’s rich heritage and history. These events include AlUla Skies Festival and Winter at Tantora Festival.
With the participation in Sand & Fun 2024, the Saudi Hot Air Balloon Federation presented visitors with a unique opportunity to engage with pilots, learn more about hot air ballooning and immerse in the exhilarating experience of riding a balloon.
