UK-based charter broker Air Charter Service (ACS) has opened its first office in Saudi Arabia, in Riyadh.
“We have been targeting the expansion of our Middle Eastern operations for some time now, and Riyadh was the natural choice for this move,” said Justin Bowman, ceo of ACS. “Riyadh is the political, financial and commercial centre of Saudi Arabia and, outside of the UAE, we have more customers in Riyadh than anywhere else in the Middle East.”
ACS highlighted the country’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA)’s recent decision to open the country’s private aviation sector to global charter companies as a key driver behind the business move. The charter broker also cited its role in supporting Saudi Vision 2030, the initiative aimed at diversifying the Saudi Arabian economy.
Elie Hanna, ceo of ACS Middle East, commented: “The Kingdom offers such an opportunity, with the rapidly growing film, entertainment and sports markets further enriching the longer-standing industries in the country,” adding that “along with supporting these sectors, our cargo teams are well-versed in assisting with the logistical challenges of construction projects, as well as other complex freight operations.”
HLPFI reported last week that ACS had opened its third office in Australia, in Perth, while Kerry Holder was appointed as the firm’s chief financial officer earlier this year.
