Dubai-based Fixed Based Operator Jetex has been selected to run the private aviation terminal at Saudi Arabia’s new Red Sea International Airport due to fully open in 2025. The announcement follows a deal being agreed between Jetex and the airport’s operator, daa, which also runs Dublin Airport (DUB) in Ireland.
Red Sea Global, the developer behind the regenerative tourism projects of The Red Sea and AMAALA in Saudi Arabia, said that the deal reached between Jetex and daa at Red Sea International Airport (RSI) marks a “landmark aviation which will begin a new chapter in exceptional luxury aviation experience on Saudi Arabia’s western coast.”
RSI’s main terminal, which is set to fully open in mid-2025, has been designed with five independent ‘mini terminals’ arranged as a series of pods. One of these ‘mini terminals’ is reserved for private aviation and will be operated exclusively by Jetex under the terms of the agreement. Jetex operates private terminals (FBOs), lifestyle concierge, and aircraft charter services to its clients, as well as fueling, ground handling, and global trip planning. The company caters to both owners and operators of business jets for corporate, commercial, and personal air travel.
“With RSI, we were determined to create an airport that seamlessly blends beautiful design, exceptional experiences, and a commitment to honoring nature,” said John Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Global. “Soon, every passenger transiting through our airport will experience this firsthand. With Jetex onboard, guests using our private aviation terminal will also experience elevated levels of service that reflect the very best of The Red Sea destination.”
Dubai-based Jetex was selected as the fixed base operator of RSI following a competitive tender process. The selection to operate the private jet terminal at RSI is Jetex’s first significant venture into the Saudi market and the agreement will see Jetex first fit out of a newly constructed private aviation terminal. Jetex’s service offering at RSI will cover all aspects of private jet handling including managing the private terminal, aircraft turnarounds, concierge services, and luxury electric airport transfers in line with the destination’s sustainability priorities.
“Jetex is excited to embark on its first major venture in Saudi Arabia through the innovative Red Sea International Airport, a pioneering project in sustainable tourism,” said Adel Mardini, Founder & CEO of Jetex. In collaboration with both daa International and Red Sea Global, we aim to transform the airport into a top-tier destination that resonates with the most discerning international and domestic travelers.”
Michael White, Chief Commercial Officer of RSI, added, “By partnering with Jetex, we reaffirm our service promise to the world. Together, we will pioneer new global standards in private aviation, consistent with the unparalleled service quality of The Red Sea destination. We look forward to welcoming guests to the private aviation terminal and showcasing its unique design and service.”
In 2023, the Saudi tourism project The Red Sea welcomed its first guests, with four of its hotels already open. Meanwhile, RSI has been receiving a limited number of regular scheduled domestic flights since September 2023 and international flights began in April 2024, with a twice-weekly route between The Red Sea and Dubai International. According to RSG, the airport is strategically located, situated within three hours’ flying time for 250 million people and eight hours of flying time for 85% of the world’s population.