Ireland’s Alliance Aviation expands operations with new hangar in Saudi Arabia

Irish-based Alliance Aviation has launched its first general aviation hangar and FBO facility at AlUla International Airport in western Saudi Arabia.

The 30,677-sq-ft hangar accommodates two Gulfstream G650s and a Bombardier Challenger 650 or two light jets. The facility aims to serve as a central hub for general aviation and attract other aviation businesses to the region.

CEO Brendan McQuaid announced the move at the Irish Business and General Aviation Association’s International Business Aviation Conference in Kildare, describing the project as the company’s initial step into Saudi Arabia with plans to expand to other west coast airports.

Alliance Aviation has operated in Saudi Arabia for seven years, primarily offering charter services, and had previously bid for Red Sea International Airport services. The company partnered with the Royal Commission for AlUla and is set to have the facility fully operational by January.

The company plans to expand its Part 145 operations at AlUla and is establishing a rapid response rig—a fully equipped mobile unit to handle aircraft-on-ground situations. The central location provides efficient access to airports along the west coast.

Saudi Arabia’s recent lifting of cabotage restrictions has opened the market to foreign charter operators. Alliance Aviation views this regulatory change as an opportunity to support foreign companies entering the market while establishing local operations. Challenges include taxes on hires and developing necessary infrastructure for general aviation, which remains limited.

McQuaid emphasised the strategic advantage of early entry, noting that Saudi Arabia is in the early stages of developing business aviation infrastructure. He highlighted the potential market, estimating demand for corporate jets across a population of 35 million with limited ground transport connectivity.

Explore how Alliance Aviation is shaping business aviation in Saudi Arabia and supporting international market growth in the full story.