Saudi Arabian private aviation company Alpha Star Aviation Services has announced plans to more than quadruple its fleet size to 70 aircraft by the end of 2017.
Speaking at this week’s Dubai Airshow, company chief executive Salim bin Obaid Al-Muzaini said the fleet would be expanded due to increased capacity demand for its services, which account for around 1,000 aircraft movements a month.
“Our participation at the show provided us with the perfect occasion to discuss opportunities with our partners and aircraft manufacturers, as well as to review the latest types of aircraft and related services. We are privileged to be able to represent Saudi Arabia in this event, and to showcase the growth of the private aviation sector, which is witnessing strong growth in the region, particularly in the kingdom,” he said.
The company did not specify which manufacturers it had met with. It was previously confirmed as the launch customer for the Airbus ACJ319neo in June.
At the time, Airbus said Alpha Star currently owns, manages and operates a fleet of Airbus corporate jets, comprising ACJ318s, ACJ319s, ACJ320s, an ACJ330, an ACJ340 and other aircraft types. Its website includes jets from Embraer, Gulfstream, Hawker and ATR.
The business, which was founded in 2010, offers aircraft management, charter, engineering, air ambulance, airport and ground handling services. It has a current fleet size of 15 aircraft.
By Robert Anderson
