Saudi Arabia allows VistaJet to run domestic private jet services
The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) in Saudi Arabia has awarded a Foreign Operator Certificate (FOC) to VistaJet, a leading private aircraft operator. This decision marks a significant step in Saudi Arabia's efforts to develop its private aviation sector and modernize its aviation industry.
VistaJet is now authorized to operate private flights domestically within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This move is part of GACA's strategy to encourage foreign investment and foster competition in the private aviation sector.
Awad bin Atallah Al-Salmi, GACA's Executive Vice President, described the move as a key milestone in developing Saudi Arabia's private aviation sector. The FOC awarded to VistaJet is intended to drive growth in the sector, improve service quality for passengers, and enhance competition.
GACA's decision allows foreign companies operating private aircraft to perform on-demand domestic flights, under the conditions outlined in the executive regulations of the Civil Aviation System. This decision is expected to expand options in private air travel within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Besides the state-owned Saudi Arabian Airlines, the newly founded private airline Riyadh Air has received permission to operate flights within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia starting in June 2025. Riyadh Air promotes a large fleet including over 150 new aircraft and has begun operations domestically and internationally. No other private airlines are explicitly mentioned as having received such permission to fly within Saudi Arabia in the available sources.
VistaJet is the first foreign private airline authorized to fly domestic flights within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This decision is a key milestone in the modernization of Saudi Arabia's aviation industry and is expected to have a positive impact on the development of the private aviation sector.
The move to award the FOC to VistaJet is part of a broader strategy to modernize Saudi Arabia's aviation industry. The awarding of the FOC is aimed at encouraging foreign investment in Saudi Arabia's private aviation sector and is expected to foster competition.
In conclusion, the awarding of the FOC to VistaJet is a significant step in Saudi Arabia's efforts to develop its private aviation sector. This decision is expected to improve service quality for passengers, drive growth, and foster competition in the sector.
