Dubai-headquartered trip support service provider Aviation Services Management (ASM) has opened an office in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This strategic expansion marks a milestone in the company's 26-year history and strengthens its operational footprint in the Middle East.

Founder and CEO Vito Gomes notes that this expansion aligns with the company's mission to cater to the growing demand for aviation services in the region. He says: “The Middle Eastern aviation market is changing incredibly fast; Saudi Arabia is at the heart of this growth. With the country's doors continuing to open to more operators, particularly in general aviation, it's becoming increasingly important to have a presence in key markets such as Saudi Arabia. Opening an office here will enable us to respond better to our clients and the growing demand for our services.”

ASM offers an expansive portfolio of services, including aviation fuelling, flight planning, ground handling, private jet charter and air ambulance services. With an AOC from the UAE GCAA, it also provides aircraft management, CAMO and other business aviation services under the ASM Air brand. ASM operates its own pair of Learjet 60XR jets and is in the process of adding a third aircraft, a Challenger 605, in coming months.

Gomes also highlights a few operational reasons for opening the new office, such as the challenges of operating flights around Saudi Arabia due to cabotage provisions that typically limit foreign carriers from transporting passengers between points in the domestic market. “We have set up a joint venture with a local Saudi operator to enable us to seamlessly offer services within the Kingdom, such as from Riyadh to Jeddah, Neom and other key places of interest,” he adds.

Currently, ASM's team of over 90 full-time employees operates from Dubai, supporting its global operations. As its services are global in nature, it is gradually expanding its geographical presence to ensure it can meet the needs of its clients wherever they are. In addition to the Middle East, ASM also has a physical presence in Africa, India and Sri Lanka. Its new office in Saudi Arabia is a key step in this expansion.

“Our vision is to be a global leader in aviation services, and this expansion into Saudi Arabia is a significant step toward realising our goals,” Gomes concludes.