Red Sea destination welcomes its first guests, launches Saudi’s first sea plane company

Image credit: Red Sea

Red Sea Global (RSG), the multi-project developer building Saudi Arabia’s ambitious regenerative tourism destinations, The Red Sea and Amaala, has welcomed its first guests to its Red Sea destination.

Red Sea receives guests

A delegation of Saudi ministers and leaders were the first guests of the destination, landing at Red Sea International Airport (RSI) on Wednesday aboard a special-edition liveried SAUDIA flight from Riyadh.

The flight was given the prestigious number SV2030 demonstrating the significance of this moment in achieving the kingdom’s Vision 2030.

We are proud to launch the @VisitRedSea aircraft livery in partnership with The Wings of #Vision2030 @Saudi_Airlines, establishing a new phase of regenerative tourism and securing #SaudiArabia’s position on the global tourism map! https://t.co/imSpfx2EmW

— Red Sea Global (@RedSeaGlobal) October 8, 2023

“Getting to this moment has required great support from our partners across the kingdom. It is an honor to be able to show our gratitude by hosting them on this exclusive visit. Now, with our airport receiving a regular schedule of flights and first resorts taking bookings, it’s only a matter of time before the rest of the world discovers just how special the Saudi Red Sea coast is,” said John Pagano, group CEO of Red Sea Global.

Prepare to be amazed! @VisitRedSea is ready to welcome the world and invites you to #SeeBeyond #VisitRedSea #VisitSaudi pic.twitter.com/1vqiWvlIfY

— Visit Saudi (@VisitSaudi) October 9, 2023

The visitors enjoyed a tour of the destination, including a stop at the St. Regis Red Sea Resort, which is now open for bookings to welcome guests before the end of the year.

They were also shown the many experiences on offer for guests, including watersports, diving and in-land adventure.

The visit concluded with an overnight stay at Six Senses Southern Dunes, the first hotel to open at the destination.

The destination’s new airport, which began receiving flights last month, will be powered by 100 per cent renewable energy and eventually equipped to offer Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) as standard for all visiting aircraft, further reducing the environmental footprint of the destination.

First seaplane company to launch in the kingdom

RSG also celebrated the take-off of the first seaplane flight operated by its subsidiary company, Fly Red Sea.

Created to transport guests across crystal-clear waters to The Red Sea’s island resorts, including St. Regis Red Sea Resort and Nujuma, A Ritz Carlton Reserve, it is the first seaplane company launched in the kingdom.

Today, we celebrate the take-off of Fly Red Sea! The first seaplane company to be launched in the Kingdom, our latest subsidiary will transport guests across #TheRedSea and offer breathtaking tours across @VisitRedSea. Read more: https://t.co/zKoh8SnyZO pic.twitter.com/jnSLKFRM9T

— Red Sea Global (@RedSeaGlobal) October 11, 2023

“As a pilot myself, I was deeply invested in the efforts to build Fly Red Sea. Our goal was to create a company that would allow us to maintain high standards across every guest touchpoint, that would give us the platform to explore technologies to reduce the aviation industry’s carbon footprint, and which would prioritize giving skilled, rewarding career opportunities to the Saudi people. Fly Red Sea achieves this on every level,” Pagano added.

Fly Red Sea’s initial fleet of four Cessna Caravan 208 seaplanes are each equipped with boutique, luxury interiors.

Each aircraft can accommodate a pilot and up to six guests with luggage for guest transfers to water-based resorts, and are also available for up to nine guests for scenic tours across the entire destination.

Maintaining its commitment to sustainable operations, RSG has chosen to fuel its fleet of seaplanes using SAF from day one.

It is also exploring the possibility of fully electric seaplanes, and is continuing to work closely with ZeroAvia to trial retrofitting Cessna Caravan Seaplanes with hydrogen-electric propulsion technology.

RSG is similarly committed to employing national talent, with the first Saudi seaplane captain’s license already issued to Fly Red Sea, and the first seaplane-specific engineers now hired at the destination.

Earlier this week, The Red Sea launched a new digital campaign aimed at encouraging potential visitors to change their expectations, of travel, and of Saudi Arabia.

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, F&B, and leisure facilities.

Red Sea Global is a closed joint-stock company wholly owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia.

A cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 ambition to diversify its economy, RSG is playing a key role in transforming the nation, by creating exciting opportunities for young Saudi talent and the private sector, as it develops built assets and destinations across multiple sectors that make a positive impact for people and planet.