New Saudi carrier Sky Prime aims to set high standards

PRIVATE AVIATION: Minister of Transport Sulaiman Al-Hamdan and Assistant Chief of GACA Capt. Abdul Hakim Al-Bader hand over the license to Sky Prime’s CEO Salem Abaid Al-Muzaini in Riyadh.

JEDDAH: The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has granted a license to the Sky Prime airline to operate as a national charter for VIP movements.
Minister of Transport Sulaiman Al-Hamdan, who is also the acting president of GACA, and Assistant Chief of GACA Capt. Abdul Hakim Al-Bader handed over the license to Sky Prime’s CEO Salem Abaid Al-Muzaini during an event at Four Seasons Hotel in Riyadh on Wednesday.
Sky Prime, which will be based in Riyadh, will start its actual operations during the last quarter of 2016.
Al-Hamdan said: “2017 will be a historic turning point in the Kingdom’s air transport industry as a number of airlines such as Sky Prime, Nesma and, later on, Flyadeal will enter the domestic air operation competition.”
He added: “Any increase in the number of air operators will help increase the supply of seats in domestic flights.”
Faisal Ghazi Kayal, managing director, Saudia Private Aviation (SPA), said SPA will be responsible for the ground handling of the Sky Prime’s operations in Riyadh, Jeddah, Madinah, and other airports across the Kingdom.
Kayal congratulated the Sky Prime management for their major initiative in the Kingdom’s aviation market.
Al-Muzaini said: “Millions of travelers fly around the world, but few of them share the privilege of having their most exclusive expectations fulfilled.”
“It is our pleasure to provide our clients with private aviation services, an air travel experience that not only meets their expectations but far exceeds them as well. As a leader in the private Aviation market, clients can expect the highest safety standards and years of trusted experience while they enjoy their luxurious journey,” he stated.
“Our growing fleet, experience, Aviation services, charter flights and consultancy are made available to help you get the best choice. It is our pleasure to be your partner and provider when it comes to private aviation services,” Al-Muzaini added.
Alpha Star Aviation has established a new subsidiary, Sky Prime Aviation Services, which like its parent organization, will focus on VIP charter operations.
Launched on Dec. 29, 2015, Sky Prime Aviation Services’ fleet will consist of seven aircraft initially, including A340-200, A340-600, A320-200, Gulfstream G450 and G550, as well as Embraer EMB-550 and Legacy 500.