AirX Charter Gains Saudi Approval for Domestic Charter Flights

This article is based on an official press release and public announcements from AirX Charter and the Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA).

Malta-based private aviation operator AirX Charter has secured a pivotal regulatory approval to expand its operations within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. According to an official announcement released this week, the company has received its Foreign Operator Authorization (FOA) under GACAR Part 129 from the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA). This certification grants AirX the right to conduct domestic on-demand charter flights between Saudi cities, a privilege previously restricted for foreign carriers.

The authorization marks a significant shift in the Kingdom’s aviation policy, which has historically limited foreign operators to international legs,flying passengers into or out of the country but not between domestic points. With this new license, AirX can now service routes such as Riyadh to Jeddah or Dammam to NEOM without the aircraft needing to depart Saudi airspace between legs.

The certificate was formally presented at GACA’s headquarters in Riyadh. The ceremony was attended by AirX Group CEO Houssam Hazzoury and Captain Sulaiman bin Saleh Al-Muhaimidi, GACA’s Executive Vice President for Aviation Safety and Environmental Sustainability. The move is described by both parties as a step toward fulfilling the aviation goals outlined in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

Breaking Cabotage Restrictions

The core significance of the GACAR Part 129 authorization lies in the removal of “cabotage” restrictions. In aviation, cabotage refers to the transport of goods or passengers between two points in the same country by a vessel or aircraft registered in another country. Most nations strictly regulate or ban this practice to protect domestic airlines from foreign competition.

According to the provided research report, AirX joins a select group of international operators, including VistaJet and Flexjet, that have been granted similar permissions. This regulatory relaxation is part of the “General Aviation Roadmap” spearheaded by GACA to address a supply-demand gap in the Kingdom. As mega-projects like NEOM, Red Sea Global, and AlUla accelerate, the demand for flexible, high-end domestic transport has outpaced the capacity of local fleets.

In a statement regarding the approval, AirX leadership emphasized the strategic importance of the Saudi market:

“Saudi Arabia represents one of the most strategic and dynamic aviation markets globally. Receiving GACA approval marks a major milestone for AirX and enables us to deepen our operational presence within the Kingdom… We look forward to delivering world-class Private-Jets services that align with the Kingdom’s aviation ambitions under Vision 2030.”

, Houssam Hazzoury, Group CEO of AirX Charter

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Operational Capabilities and Fleet Strategy

AirX Charter operates a business model that is distinct from many of its competitors. Rather than focusing exclusively on new light or midsize jets, the company specializes in the “heavy” and “VIP airliner” segments. Their fleet, which numbers approximately 20 to 21 aircraft, includes converted airliners such as the Airbus A340 and Boeing 737-700 (BBJ), as well as the Embraer Lineage 1000 and Bombardier Challenger 850s.

This fleet composition is particularly well-suited for the Saudi market, which often involves the transport of large government delegations, royal family members, and corporate executive teams visiting remote project sites. The ability to move large groups in luxury configurations domestically provides a logistical alternative to commercial first-class travel, which may not offer the necessary schedule flexibility for high-level dignitaries.

The expansion into Saudi Arabia was supported by AstroLabs, a regional platform that assists international companies in navigating the regulatory landscape of the Gulf. The partnership highlights the increasing ease of doing business for foreign entities within the Kingdom, provided they align with the broader economic diversification goals of Vision 2030.

AirPro News Analysis: The “Heavy Metal” Advantage

Analysis: The entry of AirX into the domestic Saudi market signals a maturing of the region’s private aviation sector. While smaller jets are sufficient for short hops in Europe, the Saudi market is unique. The distances can be substantial,Riyadh to NEOM is roughly a two-hour flight,but more importantly, the client profile often demands “Head of State” capacity.

AirX’s strategy of utilizing older, refurbished commercial airliners allows them to offer this high-capacity product at a competitive price point compared to operators amortizing brand-new Global 7500s or Gulfstreams. By securing cabotage rights, AirX can now station these large assets inside the Kingdom for extended periods, reducing the “empty leg” costs associated with repositioning aircraft back to Malta or Europe. This efficiency is likely to make their heavy-lift capability highly attractive to government ministries and organizers of the Kingdom’s growing calendar of international sporting and entertainment events.

Regulatory Context and Vision 2030

The approval is not an isolated event but part of a deliberate strategy by GACA to position Saudi Arabia as a global logistics hub. Captain Sulaiman bin Saleh Al-Muhaimidi noted that welcoming international operators is intended to enhance competition and service quality. By allowing foreign entities to operate domestically, GACA ensures that the infrastructure required to support tourism and corporate investment is available immediately, rather than waiting for domestic operators to build up fleet capacity.

“Welcoming new international operators such as AirX enhances competition, strengthens service quality, and ensures adherence to the highest international aviation safety standards.”

, Captain Sulaiman bin Saleh Al-Muhaimidi, GACA EVP

This development follows AirX’s financial maneuvering in late 2025, where the company secured approximately $136 million in bond funding to support fleet expansion, specifically eyeing growth in the Middle East. The successful acquisition of the Part 129 certificate validates that investment strategy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is GACAR Part 129?
GACAR Part 129 is a regulation by the General Authority of Civil Aviation in Saudi Arabia that governs the operations of foreign air carriers. Obtaining this authorization allows a non-Saudi airline to operate within the Kingdom’s airspace under specific safety and operational guidelines.

What are cabotage rights?
Cabotage rights refer to the permission for a foreign carrier to transport passengers or cargo between two domestic points within another country. Without these rights, a foreign jet could fly London-Riyadh, but not Riyadh-Jeddah.

Which aircraft will AirX operate in Saudi Arabia?
While specific deployments may vary, AirX’s authorization covers its fleet, which includes heavy jets and VIP airliners like the Airbus A340, Boeing Business Jet (BBJ), and Embraer Lineage 1000.

Sources

• AirX Charter Official Announcement