His Excellency Engineer Khalid CHERKAOUI, Director General of the Arab Civil Aviation Organization (ACAO), was officially sworn in today 06 July 2026 before His Excellency Mr. Nabil Fahmy, Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, in accordance with Article (4) of the Unified Basic Statute for Employees of the Arab Specialized Organizations, which requires the Director General to take the prescribed oath before assuming office.

At the outset of the meeting, His Excellency the Secretary-General congratulated Eng. CHERKAOUI on the confidence placed in him by Their Highnesses, Excellencies, and Distinguished Members of the General Assembly of the Arab Civil Aviation Organization, following his election as Director General. He expressed his confidence that the Organization would continue to strengthen its role in supporting Arab civil aviation and advancing the objectives of joint Arab action under his leadership.
In turn, Eng. CHERKAOUI extended his sincere congratulations to His Excellency Mr. Nabil Fahmy on officially assuming the office of Secretary-General of the League of Arab States on 1 July 2026, following the broad Arab consensus that accompanied his appointment. He wished him every success in leading the League and further promoting cooperation and solidarity among Arab States.

The meeting also provided an opportunity for the Director General to present his vision for the Organization's future and outline the strategic priorities that will guide its work during the coming years. He emphasized his commitment to enhancing ACAO's institutional performance, expanding technical cooperation with Member States, and reinforcing the Organization's position as the principal Arab platform for cooperation in civil aviation.

Discussions focused on a number of strategic priorities, including strengthening aviation safety, aviation security, air navigation services, capacity building, digital transformation, innovation, environmental sustainability, and supporting Member States in implementing international standards and best practices. The Director General also highlighted the importance of fostering closer cooperation with regional and international organizations to address the rapidly evolving challenges facing the global aviation industry.
His Excellency Eng. CHERKAOUI reaffirmed ACAO's unwavering commitment to supporting the aspirations of Arab Member States by promoting greater regional integration, enhancing technical expertise, and contributing to the development of a safe, secure, efficient, sustainable, and resilient civil aviation sector across the Arab region.

For his part, His Excellency the Secretary-General reaffirmed the League of Arab States' full support for the Arab Civil Aviation Organization and its efforts to advance Arab civil aviation, recognizing the sector's vital contribution to economic development, regional connectivity, trade, tourism, and the broader goals of Arab economic integration.

The swearing-in ceremony marks the official commencement of Eng. Khalid Cherkaoui's mandate as Director General of the Arab Civil Aviation Organization for a four-year term, following his election by the Organization's General Assembly. His appointment reflects the confidence of the Member States in his leadership and their shared commitment to further strengthening Arab cooperation in civil aviation.