Riyadh: The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) announced the companies that won the competition for a national non-scheduled (charter) air carrier licence, in the presence of Minister of Transport and Logistic Services and Chairman of GACA's Board of Directors Saleh Al-Jasser, and GACA President Abdulaziz Al-Duailej.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the award was made to two alliances: one led by Jazeera Airways and another by BeOnd Aviation, to operate domestic and international charter flights to and from various airports across the Kingdom. The move is expected to increase seat capacity, foster a competitive environment offering more travel options, and improve service quality for passengers, in line with the goals of the aviation program under the National Transport and Logistics Strategy.
The announcement follows a public tender through which GACA received several offers from different companies seeking to operate as a national charter carrier. The winning alliances passed all competition criteria; each includes foreign investment but maintains majority Saudi ownership. The charter carriers are projected to serve 48 domestic and international destinations by 2030, offer a seat capacity of up to six million seats, and generate approximately 1,000 jobs, operating a fleet of 21 aircraft.
The release added that GACA stated that awarding the two national charter carriers reaffirms its commitment to transparency and applying the highest standards of regulation and oversight. It also underscores the ongoing efforts to create an attractive investment environment, support the civil aviation sector, meet traveler needs, and contribute to the objectives of the aviation program under the National Transport and Logistics Strategy and the Saudi Vision 2030.
Following the award, the winning companies will complete the formal legal, economic, and technical procedures required to obtain the necessary licences and begin operations. GACA will continue its regulatory and supervisory role once operations commence, to monitor the carriers' financial and operational performance and the quality of services provided.
The expansion of charter aviation aims to meet increased demand during peak travel seasons - including holidays, Hajj and Umrah seasons, official vacations, sporting events, and international conferences - while also offering more travel options and serving private group travel.