MEBAA
CONVENTION NEWS
DECEMBER 8, 2022
AINONLINE.COM
DAVID McINTOSH
DAY 3
Saudi poised for growth by Peter Shaw-Smith “There’s a shortage of charter aircraft in the [Saudi Arabian] market,” said Fahad Al Jarboa, CEO of Saudia Private Aviation (SPA), who was the second-day MEBAA Show keynote speaker. He described SPA’s ambitions for growth, including plans to wet lease up to six business aircraft
in the coming months to meet the burgeoning demand for domestic and international charter in Saudi Arabia. However, he told AIN, “Actually, the market is dry. It is very dry. We have 94 percent of charter orders going unsatisfied.” SPA (Stand 1125) is awaiting the arrival of an Embraer Praetor 500 in the third quarter of next year and has an option on a second. He
hinted that demand for business jets up to Boeing BBJ size is a growing trend, making charter at the individual, rather than delegation level, more likely. The charter operator already has access to several VIP airliners from parent company Saudi Arabian Airlines’ fleet that it can offer for charter. There’s no need to buy a lot more business aircraft, he explained. “Somebody has aircraft; why not work together and use our air operator certificate?” continues on page 4
AAM Incubator Center
BIZLINERS 1st ACJ TwoTwenty
TRAFFIC MENA Activity
VPorts, GCAA, MBRAH form partnership | 06
Five Hotels expects delivery soon | 10
WingX offers statistics on business jet flying | 17