Red Sea Global Launches Saudi Arabia’s First Water Aerodrome

Riyadh, (23 October 2023): Red Sea Global (RSG), the multi-project developer behind the world’s most ambitious regenerative tourism destinations, The Red Sea and Amaala, has successfully secured an operating license for its water aerodrome on Ummahat Island at The Red Sea destination. 

This is the first license 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).

“Earlier this month we revealed to the world the Kingdom’s first seaplane company, Fly Red Sea. Now, with this license, we are ready to transport guests across crystal-clear waters to The Red Sea’s island resorts,”

said Group CEO at RSG, John Pagano.

HE the President of GACA, Mr. Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, handed the operation license for the water aerodrome to RSG CEO John Pagano at The Red Sea destination in the presence of Her Highness Princess Haifa Bint Mohammed Al Saud, Vice Minister of Tourism, and Dr. Fahad Toonsi, RSG Board Member and Secretary General. 

Located on the captivating 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 license marks a major milestone for RSG, underpinning its position as a pioneer of responsible development in the Middle East and the world. 

The GACA President stressed that granting the first water aerodrome license to RSG follows persistent efforts from GACA to contribute to creating an tourism-friendly environment, providing all means of support to enable the new destination and its aviation plans.

“We are committed to meeting the needs of Saudi Vision 2030 projects including The Red Sea destination, as GACA endeavors 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,” said GACA President, Mr. Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej. 

Among its efforts, GACA is working on a set of strategic initiatives to develop the human capital, regulatory frameworks, infrastructures, and airspace, as well as leverage technologies of the Fourth Industrial Revolution to enable the sustainable and safe growth of civil aviation activities in the Kingdom, in addition to achieving the aviation sector’s strategic objectives.

RSG also received an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from GACA for Fly Red Sea (Our first seaplane flight operator in Saudi Arabia), plus a license to provide security operation services. 

Earlier this month The Red Sea welcomed its first guests. Two of its hotels are open for bookings and the Red Sea International Airport is receiving a regular schedule of flights. Upon full completion in 2030, the destination will comprise 50 resorts, offering up to 8,000 hotel rooms and more than 1,000 residential properties across 22 islands and six inland sites. The destination also includes luxury marinas, golf courses, entertainment, F&B, and leisure facilities.