Latest news with #AirOperator'sCertificate
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
What Travelers Need to Know About Aviation Start-Up Global Airlines
Global Airlines One of the most ambitious new airlines to launch in decades is poised to take flight. The much-anticipated Global Airlines, which has built its brand around elevated customer service and upgraded in-flight comfort on Airbus A380 aircrafts, is planning to operate two round-trip flights from the UK to New York City's John F. Kennedy International (JFK) next month, founder James Asquith confirmed to Condé Nast Traveler on a call Wednesday. The UK-based carrier's inaugural flight is scheduled for May 15, 2025, departing Scotland's Glasgow International Airport (GLA) at 1 p.m. local time and arriving at JFK airport at 3 p.m as flight Q4808, with a return on May 19 leaving at 8 a.m and arriving at 7:15 p.m on flight Q4809, as reported by Aeroroutes. The following week, the second flight route will leave from Manchester Airport (MAN) on May 21, also at 1 p.m. and arrive at JFK at 3 p.m. as Q4810, and then return on May 25 at 8:55 a.m., landing back at 8:40 p.m. at Q4811. The four flights, which each have 506 seats, divided between eight in first class, 17 in business and 428 in economy, 'were oversubscribed very quickly for the amount of seats that we have' founder James Asquith tells Traveler on a call Wednesday. After all, aviation insiders and travel enthusiasts alike have been keeping a keen eye on the start-up airline, especially for its unorthodox business model. Most new airlines start by obtaining an Air Operator's Certificate (AOC) and then leasing an aircraft, but Global has done the opposite. It bought its own A380s, the first in 2023 and a second in 2024—a notable move since the iconic four-engine, two-deck superjumbo jet, well beloved by aviation enthusiasts, ceased new production back in 2021. 'We flipped it and own the aircraft and operate with a partner on the AOC side, which adds a lot of operational credibility,' Asquith says, of Global's partnership with Hi Fly, a Portuguese charter aviation operations company, which does have an AOC. This unusual strategy has led industry reporters to be skeptical, with some aviation experts even claiming they don't have the certificates to operate. Also drawing criticism is the fact that ticket information remains vague for Global's inaugural routes, including who will be on board the May flights; a 'VIP pre-sale' list was made available via to express interest in reservations, but the company has yet to respond to Traveler's queries about pricing and actual ticketing. Beyond the four flights in May, there isn't a flight schedule yet—or a timeline for one. While the first two flights are trans-Atlantic flights, Asquith says the eventual goal is to take the airline to 'as many corners of the world as we can.' With time, regular flights and frequency will come, he adds. But as aviation expert Gary Leff points out, the UK start-up has yet to prove its credibility. 'I love new products and competition, but they keep making announcements about all of the things like caviar and Champagne that don't make them a real airline and reveal little about what will make them one,' Leff says, noting the original launch date had been 2024. But Asquith says that criticism has always been there, and that he has systematically overcome each of the challenges. He's always prepared with a quick answer for every hurdle, including the environmental impact of these mega planes. 'If you fill it, it's as efficient as a Dreamliner, which is considered one of the most efficient aircraft in the world,' he says, adding that special effort is also being paid to minimize single-use plastics that so many airlines still depend on today. While the announcement of the four flights marks a major step toward Global Airlines' launch plans, the aviation industry—and travelers—will be watching closely to see what happens next. Originally Appeared on Condé Nast Traveler The Latest Travel News and Advice Want to be the first to know? Sign up to our newsletters for travel inspiration and tips Stop Counting the Countries You Visit How Safe Is Flying Today? 5 Things Experts Want Travelers to Know The Best Places to See the Northern Lights Worldwide
Leaders
07-04-2025
- Business
- Leaders
Riyadh Air Officially Obtains GACA's Operational License
Riyadh Air has officially obtained an Air Operator's Certificate (AOC) from the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), according to Gulf News. By getting this certificate, Riyadh Air has been now licensed to commence commercial flights operations. Crucially, obtaining the AOC stands as a testament that the airline is fully complied with the Kingdom's aviation regulations and international standards. Riyadh Air is also compatible with the requirements of flight safety under the Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation. Riyadh Air Officially Obtains GACA's Operational License 'Obtaining the Air Operator Certificate is an important milestone in the company's journey. It is the result of the efforts of many employees at Riyadh Air. Today, we can proudly say that Riyadh Air is now an airline with an operational license to transport our traveling guests, and we are ready to begin operations later in 2025,' Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas said. Interestingly, Riyadh Air is anticipated to fly to more than 100 destinations by 2030. Through an order of more than 132 aircraft, the airline will offer over 200,000 direct and indirect jobs. Therefore, it will contribute nearly $19.9 billion to Saudi Arabia's non-oil GDP. Related Topics: Saudia Halts London Flights Amid Heathrow Power Crisis Riyadh Air Signs Memorandum of Cooperation with Turkish Airlines Riyadh Airlines Signs Agreement with Lufthansa Systems Short link : Post Views: 47 Related Stories
Trade Arabia
07-04-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Riyadh Air gets licence to launch inaugural flights
Saudi Arabia's General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has officially granted an Air Operator's Certificate (AOC) to Riyadh Air, a newly-launched Saudi carrier, authorising the airline to start commercial flight operations. The issuance of the AOC confirms the Riyadh Air's full compliance with Saudi Arabia's aviation regulations, international standards, and flight safety requirements under the Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation. This milestone follows GACA's comprehensive audit of the airline's technical and aircraft systems, operational readiness, equipment, and the qualifications of both flight and ground personnel. The certification was officially handed over to Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas by President of GACA Abdulaziz Al Duailej at a ceremony held in the presence of Saleh Al Jasser, the Minister of Transport and Logistics and Chairman of the GACA Board. Al Duailej said GACA's issuance of the Air Operator Certificate to Riyadh Air marks a significant milestone within the framework of the Saudi Aviation Strategy. "Riyadh Air will enhance competition, offer greater value and choices for travelers, and improve connectivity both domestically and globally," he added. Riyadh Air is projected to fly to more than 100 destinations by 2030, supported by an order of over 132 aircraft. The airline is expected to create more than 200,000 direct and indirect jobs and contribute approximately $19.9 billion to the Kingdom's non-oil GDP. This operational license follows the earlier issuance of an Economic License to Riyadh Air in June 2023. On the milestone, Douglas said: "Obtaining the AOC is an important milestone in the company's journey. It is the result of the efforts of many employees at Riyadh Air. Today, we can proudly say that Riyadh Air is now an airline with an operational license to transport our traveling guests, and we are ready to begin operations later in 2025." According to him, the licensing process involved several key phases, including initial consultations, submission of the formal application, review of operational documentation, on-site inspections, and final approvals. The process extended over 11 months and was overseen by a dedicated team of 10 Saudi aviation safety inspectors and technical experts from GACA, who conducted over 200 hours of test flights to ensure full compliance with the highest operational standards, he added. The awarding of Riyadh Air's License comes amid a period of record-breaking momentum for Saudi Arabia's aviation sector. In 2024, the number of passengers rose by 15% to exceed 128 million – approcimately 25% above pre-pandemic levels. The number of flights increased by 11% to reach over 905,000. Additionally, the air connectivity grew by 16%, linking the kingdom to more than 170 destinations around the world. The air cargo sector also experienced exceptional growth, recording a 34% increase to reach 1.2 million tons in total volume for the year. The AOC is a foundational pillar of the Kingdom's aviation strategy, which aims to position Saudi Arabia as the Middle East's leading aviation hub by 2030. According to GACA, the strategy includes transforming the Kingdom into a global logistics hub, upporting tourism objectives, and establishing Riyadh as a global gateway and central hub for transportation, trade, and tourism. Riyadh Air plans to operate flights to over 100 international destinations by 2030, with orders for over 132 aircraft, it added. -TradeArabia News Service
Arabian Business
07-04-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Riyadh Air gets closer to commercial flights after securing Air Operator's Certificate
Riyadh Air, the new national airline of Saudi Arabia, has received the green light to start operations from the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA). The airline was officially granted an Air Operator's Certificate (AOC) on Monday, authorising it to start commercial flight operations. The AOC confirms Riyadh Air's full compliance with Saudi Arabia's aviation regulations, international standards, and flight safety requirements under the Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation. Riyadh Air did not disclose when it would start ticket booking and any date for its inaugural flight. Riyadh Air flight plans The airline is projected to fly to more than 100 destinations by 2030, supported by an order of over 132 aircraft. At the time of launch, Riyadh Air was projected to add $20 billion to non-oil GDP growth, and create more than 200,000 direct and indirect jobs. Before making the decision, GACA completed a comprehensive audit of the airline's technical and aircraft systems, operational readiness, equipment, and the qualifications of both flight and ground personnel. The process, from submission of the formal application to on-site inspections and final approvals, took over 11 months. This included over 200 hours of test flights to ensure full compliance with the highest operational standards. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Prime Minister and Chairman of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), had announced Riyadh Air on 12 March 2023. His vision is to leverage Saudi Arabia's strategic geographic location between the continents of Asia, Africa and Europe, and establish Riyadh as a gateway to the world. HRH Crown Prince announces #RiyadhAir, a new national carrier to further expand the Saudi aviation ecosystem locally and globally. — Public Investment Fund (@PIF_en) March 12, 2023 Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, President of GACA, commented: 'GACA's issuance of the Air Operator Certificate to Riyadh Air marks a significant milestone within the framework of the Saudi Aviation Strategy. Riyadh Air will enhance competition, offer greater value and choices for travelers, and improve connectivity both domestically and globally.' Tony Douglas, CEO, Riyadh Air, added: 'Obtaining the Air Operator Certificate is an important milestone in the company's journey. It is the result of the efforts of many employees at Riyadh Air. Today, we can proudly say that Riyadh Air is now an airline with an operational license to transport our traveling guests, and we are ready to begin operations later in 2025.' In 2024, the number of passengers in Saudi Arabia rose by 15 per cent to exceed 128 million – approximately 25 per cent above pre-pandemic levels. The number of flights increased by 11 per cent to reach over 905,000, while air connectivity grew by 16 per cent and the Kingdom is now linked to more than 170 destinations around the world.
Zawya
07-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
General Authority of Civil Aviation grants Riyadh Air operational license
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has officially granted an Air Operator's Certificate (AOC) to Riyadh Air, authorizing the airline to start commercial flight operations. The issuance of the AOC confirms the Riyadh Air's full compliance with Saudi Arabia's aviation regulations, international standards, and flight safety requirements under the Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation. This milestone follows GACA's comprehensive audit of the airline's technical and aircraft systems, operational readiness, equipment, and the qualifications of both flight and ground personnel. The official certification ceremony took place in the presence of His Excellency Saleh Al-Jasser, Minister of Transport and Logistics and Chairman of the GACA Board, and His Excellency Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, President of GACA, who presented the certificate to Riyadh Air CEO Mr. Tony Douglas—affirming the Kingdom's commitment to developing a world-class aviation sector aligned with the Saudi Aviation Strategy. His Excellency the President of GACA stated, "GACA's issuance of the Air Operator Certificate to Riyadh Air marks a significant milestone within the framework of the Saudi Aviation Strategy. Riyadh Air will enhance competition, offer greater value and choices for travelers, and improve connectivity both domestically and globally." Riyadh Air is projected to fly to more than 100 destinations by 2030, supported by an order of over 132 aircraft. The airline is expected to create more than 200,000 direct and indirect jobs and contribute approximately $19.9 billion to the Kingdom's non-oil GDP. This operational license follows the earlier issuance of an Economic License to Riyadh Air in June 2023. Commenting on the milestone, Riyadh Air CEO Mr. Tony Douglas said: "Obtaining the Air Operator Certificate is an important milestone in the company's journey. It is the result of the efforts of many employees at Riyadh Air. Today, we can proudly say that Riyadh Air is now an airline with an operational license to transport our traveling guests, and we are ready to begin operations later in 2025." The licensing process involved several key phases, including initial consultations, submission of the formal application, review of operational documentation, on-site inspections, and final approvals. The process extended over 11 months and was overseen by a dedicated team of 10 Saudi aviation safety inspectors and technical experts from GACA, who conducted over 200 hours of test flights to ensure full compliance with the highest operational standards. The awarding of Riyadh Air's License comes amid a period of record-breaking momentum for Saudi Arabia's aviation sector. In 2024, the number of passengers rose by 15% to exceed 128 million – approcimately 25% above pre-pandemic levels. The number of flights increased by 11% to reach over 905,000. Additionally, the air connectivity grew by 16%, linking the Kingdom to more than 170 destinations around the world. The air cargo sector also experienced exceptional growth, recording a 34% increase to reach 1.2 million tons in total volume for the year. About the General Authority for Civil Aviation (GACA) and Saudi Aviation Strategy: The General Authority for Civil Aviation (GACA) is the national civil aviation regulator for Saudi Arabia. GACA is responsible for delivering world-leading regulatory services that enhance competition, safety, security and sustainability in civil aviation globally. GACA enables Saudi Arabia to lead the world through aviation, providing world-class regulations, ensuring compliance and performance, ensuring competition and growth and protecting passengers. GACA coordinates the implementation of the Saudi Aviation Strategy. The Strategy is transforming the entire Saudi aviation ecosystem to become the number one aviation sector in the Middle East, enabled by Vision 2030 and in line with the Kingdom's National Transport and Logistics Strategy. The Strategy is unlocking US$100 billion in private and government investment across the Kingdom's airports, airlines, and aviation support services. The Strategy will extend Saudi Arabia's connectivity to 250 destinations, triple annual passenger traffic, establish two global long-haul connecting hubs, and increase air cargo capacity.
