Chad is the editor of AINalerts, AIN's daily business aviation newsletter, and is also the news editor at AIN Media Group.&nbsp;He has been writing about aviation, with an emphasis on business aviation, since 1994. Chad started his writing career at The Avion,&nbsp;the&nbsp;student newspaper at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida, serving as editor-in-chief before graduating with a bachelor's in aeronautical science. After a stint as managing editor at Professional Pilot&nbsp;magazine, he joined&nbsp;AIN in late 1998. Chad holds a commercial pilot certificated with instrument and multi-engine ratings, and he also is a CFI/CFII. He lives and works from his home in Venice, Florida.

Online Editor

Chad Trautvetter

Cabotage restrictions for air charter operations in Saudi Arabia are now eliminated under General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) rules that took effect today. This move by the aviation regulator opens Saudi Arabia’s domestic private aviation market to international on-demand operators that apply for permission from GACA and also follow specific requirements set by the agency.
Since the <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/general-aviation/2025-02-05/gaca-opens-saudi-domestic-aviation-market-foreigners">initial announcement</a> of the cabotage removal in February 2025, GACA has received several applications from international and regional air charter operators expressing interest in entering the Saudi market. “This early momentum reflects growing investor confidence in the kingdom’s aviation vision and the attractiveness of its evolving general aviation landscape,” it noted.
According to GACA general manager for general aviation Imtiyaz Manzary, “GACA is excited to welcome international operators to fly within Saudi Arabia. This policy change will build opportunities for growth, create jobs, and make the kingdom a more connected, accessible place for business and private travel.”
Opening of the domestic market comes as part of GACA’s General Aviation Roadmap, which aims to transform the sector into a $2 billion industry by 2030, creating 35,000 jobs. Included in the plan is the development of six dedicated business aviation airports and an additional nine business aviation terminals.

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

Saudi Arabia’s GACA Aviation Agency Lifts Air Charter Cabotage Restrictions

International air charter operators with a permit can now fly point-to-point domestic flights in Saudi Arabia

Cabotage restrictions for air charter operations in Saudi Arabia are now eliminated under new rules that took effect May 1.

Saudi’s GACA Lifts Air Charter Cabotage Restrictions

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News, issues, personnel, equipment and developments about air traffic management.

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

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News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

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News and issues concerning the aviation charter and fractional-ownership industries and markets, including company announcements, regulations, new developments and labor issues.

Issues regarding financing of aircraft; aviation insurance; tax issues for aircraft operators; new companies and people in the aviation financing and insurance industries.

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New developments at FBOs including regulations and noise issues; legal disputes; openings, acquisitions and mergers.

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News about simulators and training procedures, as well as workforce.

News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

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