Red Sea Global (RSG), the developer behind the regenerative tourism destinations The Red Sea and AMAALA, has recently secured the second operating license for a water aerodrome to launch a seaplane base for Shebara resort at The Red Sea.
“This license is one of the final steppingstones toward opening Shebara to the world. Soon, guests will be arriving by seaplane to this iconic resort in anticipation of enjoying a truly peerless escape,” said Red Sea Global Group chief executive John Pagano.
As owners of Saudi Arabia’s first seaplane airline and its only two water aerodromes, Red Sea Global is firmly establishing itself as a leader in tourism and aviation.
Shebara resort to open next month
The aerodrome will launch on Sheybarah Island, home to the iconic Shebara resort, which opens to guests next month. Famous for its distinctive stainless-steel orbs, Shebara will be the first resort at The Red Sea that Red Sea Global owns and operates. The island features a 30- to 40-meter reef drop-off close to the beach. Guests can arrive on the island by either a 30-minute boat ride from the mainland or 20 minutes by seaplane.
Last year, Red Sea Global secured the first operating license for a water aerodrome in Saudi Arabia at Ummahat Island. It has been servicing passengers to and from The St. Regis Red Sea Resort and Nujuma, a Ritz Carlton Reserve, since they opened on the island earlier this year.
RSG to transport 3,800 passengers this year
More than 520 flights carrying over 1,200 passengers were completed in the first half of 2024 on a fleet of Cessnas. Red Sea Global expects to transport 3,800 passengers before the end of 2024.
In 2023, Red Sea Global also announced the launch of its subsidiary business Fly Red Sea, the Kingdom’s first seaplane company and water aerodrome operator. The company established the subsidiary to enable the transport of guests to the Red Sea’s islands’ resorts. In the future, it will add connections to neighboring destinations and developments such as AMAALA and Al Wajh Airport.
Saudi Aviation Strategy drives growth
General Authority for Civil Aviation (GACA) president Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej handed the license for the water aerodrome to Pagano at The Red Sea destination. As the Kingdom’s aviation regulator, GACA ensures the highest levels of safety and quality across the sector, enabling Saudi Arabia to lead globally through aviation.
He stated that the license award forms part of GACA’s aviation transformation program to boost competition and investment in support of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 agenda. The Saudi Aviation Strategy is driving unprecedented growth in Saudi aviation, supporting projects like The Red Sea Global’s with greater aviation infrastructure and connectivity.
Red Sea International Airport
The Red Sea welcomed its first guests last year, with three of its hotels now open. Shebara and Desert Rock will welcome their first guests later this year, while Shura Island is on track to welcome guests in 2025.
Red Sea International Airport has been receiving a regular schedule of domestic flights since September 2023. The airport also launched international flights in April 2024, with a twice-weekly route between The Red Sea and Dubai International.
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 will also include luxury marinas, golf courses, entertainment, food & beverage, and leisure facilities.
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