AirX, a Malta-based private aviation operator with a presence across Europe and the Middle East, has announced its expansion into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia following approval from the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) under its Part 129 regulatory framework, enabling AirX to enhance its private jet charter operations and aircraft presence within the Kingdom.

AirX's expansion into Saudi Arabia has been supported by AstroLabs, the Gulf's leading business expansion platform. While AirX has been actively serving the Saudi market through international charter activity, this milestone represents a key step in the company's long-term commitment to supporting the Kingdom's rapidly growing private aviation sector under Vision 2030.

AirX operates a fleet of 21 aircraft, including heavy jets, Embraer Lineage platforms and wide body VIP capability, enabling the company to meet increasing demand for long-range corporate, governmental and high-end private travel to and from Saudi Arabia.

On the Saudi expansion, Houssam Hazzoury, group CEO of AirX, says: “Saudi Arabia represents one of the most strategic and dynamic aviation markets globally. With Vision 2030 driving unprecedented growth in tourism, investment and international engagement, we see a clear opportunity to support the Kingdom's premium private aviation sector with world-class long-range aircraft capability, safety standards and service excellence.

“Receiving GACA approval marks a major milestone for AirX. It enables us to deepen our operational presence in Saudi Arabia, expand aircraft availability within the Kingdom and provide corporate, VIP and governmental clients with reliable, premium private jet charter services aligned with the Kingdom's ambitious aviation transformation.”

AirX's expansion comes at a pivotal time as Saudi Arabia continues to strengthen its role as a global hub for business, tourism and international connectivity, supported by major infrastructure investment and rising demand for premium aviation services.

As it embarks on its journey in the Kingdom, AirX plans to develop further partnerships with key stakeholders and contribute to the continued growth of private aviation services across Riyadh, Jeddah, Neom and other strategic destinations.

The authorisation was presented at GACA's headquarters in Riyadh by Captain Sulaiman bin Saleh Al-Muhaimidi, GACA's executive vice president for aviation safety and environmental sustainability, to Hazzoury, following AirX's successful fulfilment of all regulatory, operational and aviation safety requirements under Saudi Arabia's civil aviation law.

Commenting on the authorisation, Captain Al-Muhaimidi says: “Saudi Arabia's general aviation market is experiencing strong growth, driven by rising demand for business and private aviation and supported by the Kingdom's broader economic transformation. Welcoming new international operators such as AirX enhances competition, strengthens service quality and ensures adherence to the highest international aviation safety standards.”

Under the authorisation, AirX will commence domestic on-demand operations between airports across the Kingdom, supporting business aviation and premium tourism demand.

GACA has opened up the Kingdom's private aviation market by removing cabotage restrictions for on-demand charter flights in the region.