The Kingdom's evolution of connectivity now extends beyond commercial flights and into the privatised aviation industry.
As we await the launch of the Kingdom's newest national airline, Riyadh Air, in Q3 of this year, it is evident that Saudi Arabia’s aviation landscape is undergoing a dramatic transformation.
In terms of the private commercial aviation industry, VistaJet is now at the centre of this growing sector in Saudi Arabia. The Kingdom's General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has authorised VistaJet to operate domestic flights within the Kingdom, making it the first international private jet company to receive such clearance to operate flights within the Kingdom.
VistaJet, part of the Vista Global Holding group, has long been a fixture in international private aviation. The global private aviation company originally hails from Malta, and now has a number of key office locations in prominent cosmopolitan cities such as New York, London, Dubai, and Hong Kong. With a fleet of over 270 aircraft, including the ultra-long-range Global 7500 jets, the company offers guests and clients seamless, non-stop access to destinations worldwide. Now, Saudi clients can enjoy the same level of service for domestic travel, with routes connecting major cities like Riyadh and Jeddah, as well as remote airfields critical for business and investment.
This development follows the removal of cabotage restrictions for on-demand charter services, a reform that took effect in May 2025. The change is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader National Transport and Logistics Strategy, which aims to position the country as a global aviation hub by 2030.
Rather than owning aircraft, VistaJet members purchase flying hours through a subscription model, allowing flexible access to the fleet without the complexities of ownership. This approach has resonated strongly in the Kingdom, where VistaJet saw a 32% increase in program membership during the first half of 2025.
The company has also begun hiring locally, with Saudi national Mazen Obaid leading Middle East operations. His appointment reflects VistaJet’s commitment to investing in the region and aligning with Vision 2030’s goals of economic diversification and talent development.
For Saudi Arabia, this partnership signals more than just a luxury travel option, it’s about connectivity, competition, and creating a world-class aviation sector - across both the private and commercial sectors.
