Flexjet Malta Approval Marks Milestone in Saudi Private Jet Market

Flexjet Malta has secured authorisation from the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) to operate on-demand private jet flights within Saudi Arabia. The approval, the second for a foreign operator since cabotage rules were lifted in May 2025, underlines growing international interest in the Kingdom's aviation sector and strengthens Malta's footprint in global private aviation.

Andrew Collins, Flexjet's global chief executive, confirmed that the authorisation represents a significant milestone in the company's Gulf Cooperation Council expansion strategy. The region has become increasingly important for serving Ultra-High-Net-Worth travellers (UHNW) seeking premium aviation services.

The approval applies to Flexjet Operations Malta, whose air operator certificate (AOC) currently covers an impressive fleet including long-range private jets such as the Gulfstream G650 and G650ER, alongside Global Express XRS aircraft. The operator also maintains Embraer Legacy 500s and Praetor 600s under its Maltese registration, with the majority of its Europe, Middle East and Africa fleet now based on the island.

Flexjet joins VistaJet Malta as the only foreign executive jet operators authorised for domestic Saudi operations. VistaJet, which received approval in August, has already completed 37 domestic flights within the Kingdom, predominantly serving the Riyadh-Jeddah corridor.

For Malta, Flexjet's success reinforces the island nation's growing status as a strategic base for international aviation operations. The combination of Malta's robust regulatory framework, favorable business environment, and strategic Mediterranean location continues to attract premium aviation operators seeking European Union-compliant registration with global operational flexibility.