Saudi Arabia has officially awarded licenses to two consortiums to operate national charter airlines, marking a significant step in its plans to expand tourism and air connectivity. The General Authority of Civil Aviation (Gaca) announced that alliances led by Jazeera Airways and BeOnd Aviation will be authorized to run domestic and international charter flights, contributing to the kingdom's goal of reaching 150 million visitors annually by 2030.
The new carriers are expected to serve 48 destinations and increase airline seat capacity by around six million per year. The alliances will operate a combined fleet of 21 aircraft and are projected to create approximately 1,000 jobs. Both alliances include foreign investment with majority Saudi ownership, aligning with tender requirements and Saudi economic policies.
Strategic Impact and Future Outlook
These developments are part of the broader Saudi tourism and economic strategy, which aims to bolster the aviation sector's role in supporting high-demand periods such as Hajj, Umrah, and major events. Gaca is overseeing all licensing and regulatory procedures as the alliances prepare to launch operations. Additionally, the kingdom plans to introduce three more airlines, further diversifying and expanding its air travel offerings in the coming years.
Recently, an alliance involving Emirati airline Air Arabia received approval to operate a low-cost carrier at King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, further emphasizing the kingdom’s commitment to enhancing its aviation infrastructure and tourism prospects. Overall, Saudi Arabia’s strategic investments in aviation are geared towards economic diversification and positioning the country as a key global travel destination.
