RIYADH: Prince Sultan bin Salman, president of the Saudi Aviation Club (SAC), said the International Aeronautical Federation’s (FAI) choice of SAC chief executive Ayed Odeib Al-Qassimi as vice president of FAI for the MENA region represents a clear appreciation of the Kingdom’s proclaimed role in the dissemination of aviation culture worldwide. The prince thanked King Salman for his advocacy and support for the SAC since its foundation, and all concerned with the club for this accomplishment. The prince stressed that SAC has become a benchmark for all those interested in aviation within the Kingdom. It is undergoing an evolution in its infrastructure and branch expansion throughout the Kingdom and is about to become one of the largest and most important general aviation and air sports clubs all over the region. The Dutch FAI president, Frits Brink, announced the selection of Al-Qassimi in a show of appreciation for the Kingdom’s role in spreading aviation culture within the Kingdom, regionally and internationally. FAI was founded in 1905 as a non-profit international organization which aims to strengthen aviation activities and space navigation worldwide. It links more than 120 member states, forming a strong network binding all participants in aeronautical sports around the world. SAC is considered one of the best known and largest aviation clubs in the world, and one of its most versatile considering the types and sizes of aircraft, sporting and training events it holds. SAC was founded by a decree of the Council of Ministers in December 2000 with the aim of promoting general aviation under the banner of the Civil Aviation Authority.