GACA Unveils Winning Alliances For National Charter Carrier Licences In Saudi Arabia

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has revealed the winners of the national non-scheduled air carrier licence competition. The announcement was made in the presence of Saleh Al-Jasser, Minister of Transport and Logistic Services, and Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, GACA President. Two alliances emerged victorious: one led by Jazeera Airways and another by BeOnd Aviation. These alliances will operate domestic and international charter flights across Saudi Arabia.

These new charter services are expected to enhance seat capacity, foster competition, and improve service quality for passengers. This aligns with the aviation program's goals under the National Transport and Logistics Strategy. The initiative aims to provide more travel options for passengers while maintaining high standards of regulation and oversight.

The winning alliances were selected through a public tender process that attracted several offers from various companies. Each alliance includes foreign investment but retains majority Saudi ownership. By 2030, these carriers plan to serve 48 destinations domestically and internationally, offering up to six million seats annually with a fleet of 21 aircraft.

GACA emphasised its commitment to transparency in awarding these licences, ensuring adherence to strict regulatory standards. The move is part of ongoing efforts to create an attractive investment environment, support the civil aviation sector, and meet traveller needs as outlined in the Saudi Vision 2030.

The expansion of charter aviation is designed to address increased demand during peak travel seasons such as holidays, Hajj and Umrah seasons, official vacations, sporting events, and international conferences. These services will also cater to private group travel needs.

Following the award announcement, the winning companies will complete necessary legal, economic, and technical procedures to obtain their licences. Once operations begin, GACA will continue its regulatory role by monitoring financial performance and service quality.

This initiative is projected to generate approximately 1,000 jobs within the sector. It underscores GACA's dedication to supporting the civil aviation industry while contributing significantly to the objectives outlined in both the National Transport and Logistics Strategy and Saudi Vision 2030.

With inputs from SPA