Saudi’s GACA grants VistaJet license as first foreign private jet operator

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) granted a foreign operator certificate to VistaJet, a private aircraft operator, making it the first international private jet operator permitted to operate domestic routes within the Kingdom.

In a statement, the authority said that the certificate was granted after the company met all the requirements and standards specified in the executive regulations of the Civil Aviation Law.

Awad AlSulami, Executive Vice President for Economic Policies and Logistics Services at GACA, said authorizing VistaJet as the first international private jet operator for domestic operations in the Kingdom is a milestone in enhancing the general aviation market in Saudi Arabia.

He added that this step will foster greater competition, stimulate sector growth, and raise the quality of services for private aviation customers in the Kingdom and across the region.”

The move also reflects the Kingdom's vision to attract investments and enhance its position in the global aviation industry, which contributes to the development of the sector and raises its competitiveness at the regional and international levels.

According to data available on Argaam, GACA announced in February that foreign companies operating on-demand private flights would be allowed to transport passengers domestically within the Kingdom from May 1.