Charles Alcock is managing editor of the AIN Media Group, having rejoined the company in 2019. He has been an aviation journalist since 1986, and previously worked for AIN from 1990 to 2017, most recently as editor-in-chief. His main focus is on covering new aviation technology and business models, as well as international news.
Having been raised in the London area, Alcock studied at the University of Manchester in the UK and earned an honors degree in Politics and Modern History. He speaks English and French, and some German.

Managing Editor

Charles Alcock

Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has approved VistaJet to offer charter flights within the country under its private flight membership programs. The group announced the approval on Wednesday and claimed that it is the first foreign operator to get the go-ahead for commercial flights in what has long been a highly restricted domestic market.
Dubai-based VistaJet, which offers a variety of charter and membership programs, said it plans to offer its ultra-long-range Bombardier Global 7500 for flights in Saudi Arabia, as well as for intercontinental trips. Its floating fleet currently consists of more than 270 aircraft composed of Challenger 350s and 850s, as well as Global 7500s.
During the first half of this year, the company said the number of VistaJet Program Members in Saudi Arabia climbed by 32%. VistaJet, which earlier this year arranged $1.3 billion in financing, has operated in and out of the country for more than 15 years.
<h2>Market Restrictions Removed</h2>
In May, GACA abolished <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2025-05-01/saudis-gaca-lifts-air-charter-cabotage-restrictions">cabotage flight restrictions</a> for air charter operators in <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2025-01-21/saudi-arabia-signals-desire-unlock-business-aviation">Saudi Arabia</a>. This cleared the way for foreign on-demand service providers to apply for approval to fly between Saudi cities, as well as to operate flights in and out of the country.
The market access reform is part of GACA’s General Aviation Roadmap, which aims to create 35,000 jobs in the sector by 2030. The plan also clears the way for the development of <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2025-05-01/saudis-gaca-lifts-air-charter-cabotage-restrictions">new business aviation airports</a>, terminals, and <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2024-12-09/jetex-signs-first-saudi-fbo">FBOs in Saudi Arabia</a>, which last year saw a 24% increase in traffic.
“We are delighted to be working with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and GACA, reinforcing our commitment to offering clients reliable, flexible, and trusted flying solutions through our global and regional infrastructure,” said Mazen Obaid, Middle East president for parent company Vista. “As a Saudi myself, I am extremely proud and excited for this new venture, and of all the opportunities that I know we can achieve together.”

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