Saudi Announces First Water Aerodrome as Sea Planes Head To Red Sea
Sea planes will soon touch down in Saudi Arabia after a luxury tourism development revealed plans for stunning air transfers from airports to coastal resorts.
Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Global (RSG) has successfully secured an operating licence for its water aerodrome on Ummahat Island at The Red Sea destination.
This is the first licence to be granted for a water aerodrome in Saudi Arabia and represents a significant boost for the aviation sector in the Kingdom.
It comes following the aerodrome’s fulfilment of all requirements of the Aviation Safety Regulations of the General Authority for Civil Aviation (GACA), said RSG.
Located on Ummahat Island, the water aerodrome is designed to achieve a unique harmony between aviation and the marine environment.
It will provide an exceptional experience for those wishing to transfer by air from Red Sea International Airport, providing an opportunity to enjoy The Red Sea’s spectacular views below.
This licence marks a major milestone for RSG, underpinning its position as a pioneer of responsible development in the Middle East and the world.
President of GACA Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al Duailej handed the operation licence for the water aerodrome to RSG CEO John Pagano at The Red Sea destination in the presence of Vice Minister of Tourism Princess Haifa Bint Mohammed Al Saud and RSG Board Member and Secretary General Dr. Fahad Toonsi.
The GACA president stressed that granting the first water aerodrome license to RSG follows persistent efforts from GACA to contribute to creating a tourism-friendly environment, providing all means of support to enable the new destination and its aviation plans. Al Duailej said: “We are committed to meeting the needs of Saudi Vision 2030 projects including The Red Sea destination, as GACA endeavours to continue to ensure the highest levels of safety and quality in the aviation sector, consolidate its regulatory and supervisory role, achieve regional leadership and apply international best practices”.
John Pagano, Group CEO at Red Sea Global, said: “Earlier this month we revealed to the world the Kingdom’s first seaplane company, Fly Red Sea. “Now, with this licence, we are ready to transport guests across crystal-clear waters to The Red Sea’s island resorts”.
The Ummahat Islands, part of @VisitRedSea, are now home to Saudi Arabia’s first water runway. Granted by @ksagaca, the runway will welcome guests arriving in our new #FlyRedSea seaplanes – and we can’t wait! Learn more: https://t.co/Urvxa8A4MI pic.twitter.com/1hyKhDWyjz
— Red Sea Global (@RedSeaGlobal) October 23, 2023
RSG also received an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from GACA for Fly Red Sea (the first seaplane flight operator in Saudi Arabia), plus a license to provide security operation services.
