SACA - Saudi Academy of Civil Aviation

What SACA - Saudi Academy of Civil Aviation does

Saudi Academy of Civil Aviation (SACA) is a government-affiliated civil aviation training institution headquartered in Jeddah, Al Naseem District, operating since 1962 and reorganized into its current academy form in 2007. It runs four specialized training centers — Air Navigation Services / English Language Proficiency, Fire and Rescue, Airport Operations and Aviation Safety, and Aviation Security — plus a Basic Training Center and a Navigation Systems Maintenance center. The Academy delivers simulation-based training programs spanning air traffic control, aircraft fire and rescue, dangerous goods handling, airport operations, aviation security management, and runway incursion prevention.

Its core technology stack is built around domain-specific simulation laboratories: six advanced ATC simulators that replicate weather, aircraft types, and emergency scenarios; aircraft fire and smoke simulation systems with electronic control rooms; two X-ray and security screening laboratories (nine computers each, plus physical X-ray machines, metal detectors, and surveillance cameras); and navigation systems laboratories covering electronics, radar, and communication systems. SACA also administers internationally accredited certification exams, including IFSAC (International Fire Service Accreditation Congress) fire and rescue tests and ICAO-aligned Aviation English Language Proficiency Tests (ELPT) for pilots, ATCs, and dispatchers.

SACA earns revenue through training program fees (priced on request via email), unit-priced IFSAC examination fees, and unit-priced ELPT examination fees, with a pay-as-you-go billing model for exams and multi-year contracts for enterprise training. Its go-to-market combines direct-to-customer enrollment (website, email, downloadable registration forms) with enterprise field sales targeting government agencies and private aviation operators (e.g., Bila Hudood Group, Afras Company, DAA International). The Academy is regulatorily aligned with GACA, accredited by Masar (institutional) and IFSAC (Fire and Rescue), and maintains strategic partnerships with IATA and ICAO-aligned frameworks, positioning itself as the leading academic and training arm of Saudi Arabia's civil aviation sector under Vision 2030.

Name

SACA - Saudi Academy of Civil Aviation

Legal name

Saudi Academy of Civil Aviation (SACA)

Website

https://saca.edu.sa

Company type

Private

Founded year

1962

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Saudi Academy of Civil Aviation (SACA) is a government-affiliated training institution in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, operating four specialized centers that deliver simulation-based training, international certifications (IFSAC, ICAO-aligned ELPT), and enterprise aviation programs for air traffic controllers, fire and rescue personnel, security staff, and airport operators.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Aviation Training and Certification Services

NAICS

Flight Training (611512), Technical and Trade Schools (6115), Professional and Management Development Training (611430), Air Traffic Control (488111)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Aviation & Aerospace (EDABALAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Aviation Security (AVSEC) Training (BPAKAOAM), Aircraft Inspection, Quality Assurance & Airworthiness (IA Prep) (EDAOAFAE)

Keywords

• Aviation training services
• Air traffic control training
• Aviation security training
• Fire rescue certification
• Airport operations training

Headquarters

HQ city

Jeddah

HQ country

Saudi Arabia

HQ region

Middle East

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Infrastructure, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Training Program Fees: Revenue from specialized training programs across four centers including Air Navigation Services, Fire and Rescue, Airport Operations, and Aviation Security. Programs include both public enrollment courses and customized training for enterprise clients.
2. IFSAC Examination Fees: Fees collected for International Fire Service Accreditation Congress examinations offered at the Fire and Rescue Training Center, including various certification levels for fire and rescue personnel.
3. English Language Proficiency Test (ELPT) Fees: Fees for Aviation English Language Proficiency Tests conducted for pilots, air traffic controllers, dispatchers, and other aviation personnel at multiple locations.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

SACA operates as a specialized civil aviation training academy delivering simulation-based qualification programs and internationally accredited certification exams for aviation personnel. Its offerings span four specialized centers—Air Navigation Services and ELP Training, Fire and Rescue, Airport Operations and Aviation Safety, and Aviation Security—plus a Basic Training Center, serving individual professionals, government agencies, and enterprise clients with programs aligned to ICAO, IATA, IFSAC, and GACA standards.

Product overview

SACA operates as a unified civil aviation training academy comprising four specialized training centers: ANS Training Center (ATC), Fire and Rescue Training Center, Airport Operations and Aviation Safety Training Center, Aviation Security Training Center, plus Basic Training and Navigation Systems Maintenance centers. The academy offers specialized training courses, internationally accredited certification exams (IFSAC fire exams, ELPT language tests), and customized programs in aviation security, dangerous goods, air traffic control, and firefighting. Programs range from diploma foundation years to short professional courses and certification examinations, serving both Saudi and international aviation personnel.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• ANS Training Center - ATC Training Air traffic control training center providing simulation-based qualification programs for air traffic controllers to manage aircraft on ground and in air safely and efficiently. Features six advanced simulation laboratories replicating real ATC operations with weather variations, different aircraft types, and emergency situations.
• Fire and Rescue Training Center Comprehensive fire and rescue training programs qualifying trainees for firefighting in building, industrial, and aircraft accident scenarios. Features world-class simulation facilities including aircraft fire simulation systems with electronic control rooms and industrial fire simulators, plus ARFF vehicles.
• Airport Operations and Aviation Safety Training Center Training center focused on developing airport staff skills through specialized courses in airport operations, quality training, airport safety, and management skills in accordance with GACA regulations. GACA-accredited for specialized courses.
• Aviation Security Training Center Training center for security personnel at local and international airports providing courses aligned with National Civil Aviation Security Program. Features two simulated X-ray laboratories each equipped with nine computers, physical X-ray machines, walk-through metal detectors, handheld metal detectors, vehicle under-search mirrors, security-dedicated cameras, and simulated firearms and explosive devices.
• Basic Training Center Foundation year training for diploma students plus short courses including English language training, administrative courses, and English Language Placement Tests. Includes SAELPTC facilities with testing rooms, rating rooms, and administrative offices accredited by GACA for ELPT testing.
• Air Navigation Services Training Center - Navigation Systems Maintenance Technical training programs for navigation systems and equipment maintenance. Features specialized laboratories with simulation systems placing trainees in virtual environments reflecting real navigation aids and aviation systems, covering electronics, radar systems, navigation data processing, and communication systems.
• Human Factors for Airport Operators Training course providing airport operators with essential human factors knowledge including human factors principles, team interaction, and performance standards.
• Global Action Plan for the Prevention of Runway Incursions (GAPPRI) Training course designed to enhance airside safety and reduce runway incursion risks through coverage of runway incursion hazards, best practices, GAPPRI framework, and contributing factors.
• Regulations for the Transport of Dangerous Goods Training course qualifying staff to handle dangerous goods in compliance with GACA and IATA regulations, covering hazardous incident response, passenger transport regulations, and safety compliance.
• Air Cargo and Airmail Security Training course developing and supervising air cargo and airmail security measures including cargo security concepts, inspection methods, mail security, and practical training.
• Aviation Security Managers Management training course enabling managers to plan and implement airport security measures in line with ICAO Annex 17, covering security management, resource planning, budget management, and personnel competency verification.
• Aircraft Catering Security Training course qualifying catering security personnel to apply standards in accordance with national regulations, covering catering facility security, screening procedures, and equipment operation.
• IFSAC Exams International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) certification exams for fire and rescue personnel. Academy received IFSAC accreditation in 2019 and offers internationally accredited tests compliant with NFPA international standards.
• English Language Proficiency Test (ELPT) Aviation English language proficiency testing for pilots, air traffic controllers, flight dispatchers, and other aviation personnel. Testing available in Jeddah, Riyadh, and Dammam locations.

Quantifiable outcome

• 18 trainers certified through IATA partnership for dangerous goods training
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and major.

• International Air Transport Association (IATA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerExisting partnership between SACA and IATA enabled hosting of two training courses in Jeddah for dangerous goods regulations and CBTA methodology. The partnership resulted in certification of 18 trainers from the Academy to deliver specialized training programs in dangerous goods field.
• International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIFSAC accreditation obtained in 2019 enables SACA to provide internationally accredited tests for fire and rescue workers. The accreditation involves auditing centers for compliance with NFPA international standards for quality fire and rescue training.
• General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGACA provides regulatory accreditation for training programs across SACA's four centers. Training programs are designed in accordance with GACA regulations and functional guidance, ensuring compliance with Saudi aviation standards.
• Bila Hudood Group (Without Borders Company)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership agreement signed at Future of Aviation Conference (May 20-22, Riyadh) for training Bila Hudood Group employees in aviation security programs. Agreement aims to qualify and train company employees to ensure quality of services provided.
• Afras CompanymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership agreement signed at Future of Aviation Conference (May 20-22, Riyadh) for training Afras Company employees in specialized aviation programs, particularly aviation security. Enables employees to carry out duties per local and international requirements.
• DAA International LimitedmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership agreement in training field signed at Future of Aviation Conference between SACA and DAA International Limited, expanding international training collaborations.
• National Center for Training Evaluation and Accreditation (Masar)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMasar, under the Education and Training Evaluation Commission, granted institutional accreditation to SACA after the Academy fulfilled required standards and quality criteria for institutional accreditation.
• Airports AcademymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration with Airports Academy for student housing project inauguration under patronage of SANS CEO. First phase includes construction of two residential buildings with capacity for 120 students.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• CAE: Global leader in aviation training with a large installed base of full-motion simulators and training centers across civil aviation, defense, and healthcare. Comparable to SACA's ATC and aviation training programs but at vastly greater scale across multiple geographies.
• Lufthansa Aviation Training: European aviation training provider offering pilot, cabin crew, and ground school training. Operates multiple training centers across Europe and competes for the same globally-portable aviation certification market SACA targets with its ICAO- and IATA-aligned programs.
• Jeppesen (Boeing): Boeing subsidiary providing aviation training, crew planning, and operational data services. Comparable to SACA in serving commercial aviation training needs, including dangerous goods and flight operations training.
• Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University: US-based fully accredited aviation university offering aviation degrees, ATC training, and professional development. Covers similar subject matter to SACA's diploma programs and short courses but at much larger scale and broader scope.

Emerging players

• Airways Aviation: Multi-location aviation academy offering pilot training, aviation management degrees, and ground school across the Middle East, Europe, and Asia. Comparable to SACA's aviation training scope and is increasingly active in MENA markets where SACA operates.

Direct peers

• IATA Training: IATA's own training division offering dangerous goods, airline operations, and aviation safety courses. IATA is both a SACA partner and a competitor — SACA's IATA-certified dangerous goods training competes directly with IATA's own open-enrollment courses.
• FlightSafety International: Direct competitor in advanced aviation training, specializing in pilot, maintenance, and ground school programs using high-fidelity simulators. Comparable to SACA's simulation-based approach but with a global network of learning centers.
• Singapore Aviation Academy: Government-backed aviation training academy operated by the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore, offering ICAO-aligned courses for ATC, aviation security, and airport operations. Closest government-academy analogue to SACA in terms of mandate and customer base.

Regional players

• International Aviation College (Malaysia): Another national government-backed aviation training academy offering license and cadet pilot programs in the Asia-Pacific region. Comparable to SACA in mandate and structure but regionally focused on a different geography.
• Airports Academy (Saudi Air Navigation Services): Sister Saudi institution under SANS umbrella that recently partnered with SACA on the student housing initiative. Offers overlapping aviation training programs in the Kingdom and is the most direct domestic peer.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/saca-saudi-academy-of-civil-aviation

Compliance6 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about SACA - Saudi Academy of Civil Aviation