As Saudi Arabia’s private aviation sector experiences unprecedented growth, Flexjet, a leader in private aviation established in 1995, is primed to support the Kingdom’s evolving travel needs. Combining the ultimate private jet experience, sophisticated state-of-the-art fleet and a sustainability-first approach, Flexjet offers services that are lately in high demand among Saudi Arabia’s growing number of ultra-high-net-worth individuals.
The Kingdom’s private aviation sector, valued at SR4.5 billion ($1.2 billion) in 2023, is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 8.88 percent through 2029. The sector’s expansion reflects rising demand for luxury travel options, driven by an increasing number of affluent tourists and growing disposable wealth.
Flexjet’s operations are built around providing customized travel solutions, making it a natural fit for Saudi Arabia’s elite private aviation clientele. Since its acquisition by Directional Aviation, a leader in the private aviation industry with more than SR13 billion in annual revenue and over 4,000 employees, Flexjet has seen skyrocketing growth, transforming from a respected player in private aviation into a global powerhouse. Under the strategic vision of Directional Aviation, Flexjet placed a record-breaking SR21 billion order for 265 Bombardier jets, followed by a SR5.2 billion order from Embraer in 2019, ensuring it maintains its state-of-the-art fleet.
Andrew Collins, CEO of Flexjet
These strategic orders allow Flexjet to service its clients in Saudi Arabia with advanced aircraft like the Embraer Praetor 600, which combines long-range capabilities with exceptional cabin comfort, and the Gulfstream G650, renowned for its ability to provide connections between distant destinations.
Flexjet’s global fleet today stands at 300 jets and a large number of helicopters, which are operated by over 1,000 pilots, with more than 100 of those within the region.
Its partnerships with luxury hotels like Dorchester Collections, The Lana, ensure that its clients experience true luxury by offering seamless transitions from air to ground. The Lana epitomizes modern elegance with a five-star rating, complete with 225 refined rooms and suites, world-class dining by renowned chefs, and a serene spa.
Flexjet’s sustainability initiatives are at the forefront of the industry and are naturally aligned with the Kingdom’s vision for a green future. Through a comprehensive program developed with specialist consultancy 4AIR, Flexjet addresses sustainability across all timelines, offsetting 100 percent of carbon emissions for every flight in the short term, promoting sustainable aviation fuel in the medium term and investing significantly in advanced clean aviation technologies for the long term.
“Demand for flights to the GCC region has risen exponentially for Flexjet in the past three years and it’s now not just a question of flying international travelers into the region, but also gaining increasing numbers of clients who are based there — particularly in Saudi Arabia,” said Andrew Collins, CEO of Flexjet. “We are perfectly placed to appeal to the UHNWI community in the GCC with our exceptional fleet capabilities and luxury onboard service, and the region will continue to be a major focus for us in 2025,” he added.
Flexjet’s presence in Saudi Arabia reflects its broader strategy of serving markets where demand for premium private aviation solutions is fast-growing. With a focus on aligning its services with the Kingdom’s ambitious economic goals and connectivity plans, the company is poised to contribute meaningfully to the growth of the private aviation sector within the Kingdom and the broader region.
