It was in 1958 that Saudi Arabian Airlines was separated from the Directorate of Civil Aviation.  In 1977, the Directorate of Civil Aviation once again had a name changed into the Presidency of Civil Aviation.  And by virtue of the Council of Ministers’ Resolution no. (13), issued in 2004, the Presidency of Civil Aviation was transformed into a General Authority, with financial and administrative independence, and to operate according to commercial principles and standards, in an effort to liberalize and develop the civil aviation sector in the Kingdom.  Furthermore, the aim was to achieve financial self-sufficiently, by relying on its own revenues to cover its operational and investments costs gradually.  Later on, it became to be known by its new name, “The General Authority of Civil Aviation”. Since its early in 1948 and until 2011, the civil aviation sector has been affiliated with the Ministry of Defense.  A Royal Decree No. (A/230) dated on 9/12/1432, separating the General Authority of Civil Aviation from the Ministry of Defense and redrawing its structure.  It gave the authority more independence and enable it to move smoothly and harmoniously to develop the air transport industry in the Kingdom. Furthermore, on 30/7/1437 (2016), a Royal Decree No. (A/133) was issued, by which an Article (23) of the Decree calls for linking GACA to the Transport Minister. Subsequently, on the 13th of June, 2016, the Council of Minsters approved an arrangement in which the role of GACA was activated as an independent legislative body.  This was accomplished by completely separating its responsibilities.  Furthermore, on 11/4/1438, a Royal Decree No. (17049) was issued separating the legislative side from the operational at GACA.  The move was made to deepen GACA’s role as legislator and a regulator of the air transport industry in the Kingdom. --More 11:03 LOCAL TIME 08:03 GMT 0006 www.spa.gov.sa/w1176595