Saudi Arabia awards charter airline licences to Jazeera-led and BeOnd-led alliances

Saudi Arabia has awarded national non-scheduled (charter) air carrier licences to two airline alliances, marking a significant step in expanding seat capacity, enhancing competition and improving travel options across the Kingdom.

The move aligns with the aviation program under the National Transport and Logistics Strategy and supports broader Saudi Vision 2030 objectives to build a more dynamic, passenger-focused aviation ecosystem.

The announcement was made by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) 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.

Charter airlines in Saudi Arabia

According to GACA, the licences were awarded to two alliances:

• One led by Jazeera Airways
• Another led by BeOnd Aviation

Both alliances will operate domestic and international charter flights to and from various airports across the Kingdom.

GACA stated that the selection followed a public tender that attracted several offers from companies seeking to operate as national charter carriers. The winning alliances passed all competition criteria.

Each includes foreign investment but maintains majority Saudi ownership in compliance with regulatory requirements.

The new carriers are projected to serve 48 domestic and international destinations by 2030, provide a seat capacity of up to six million seats, and generate approximately 1,000 jobs.

They will collectively operate a fleet of 21 aircraft, supporting the Kingdom’s plans to expand travel options and improve passenger services.

Aviation standards

GACA added that awarding the two national charter carriers reaffirms its commitment to transparency and the application of the highest regulatory and oversight standards.

The step supports efforts to create an attractive investment environment, strengthen the civil aviation sector, meet traveller needs and advance the aviation program under the National Transport and Logistics Strategy and Saudi Vision 2030.

Following the award, the winning alliances will complete the required legal, economic and technical procedures before they obtain the necessary licences and commence operations.

GACA will continue performing its regulatory and supervisory role once operations begin, monitoring the carriers’ financial and operational performance and the quality of services provided.

The expansion of charter aviation is expected to help meet increased passenger demand during peak travel periods — including holidays, Hajj and Umrah seasons, official vacations, sporting events and international conferences — while offering more travel choices and supporting private group travel.