Saudi Arabia has launched its first seaplane company, Fly Red Sea, with an initial fleet of four Cessna (twin turboprop)208 Caravans to transport tourists to “The Red Sea” and “Amaala” tourism resort developments along the kingdom’s west coast.
The inaugural flight took place from the new Red Sea International airport on October 11, according to a statement issued by parent company Red Sea Global (RSG), the resort developer wholly owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia.
The Fly Red Sea fleet will expand with network growth, reaching nine Textron Aviation seaplanes by 2028 and increasing to more than 20 aircraft by 2030.
Each seaplane can accommodate a pilot and up to six passengers with luggage or up to nine passengers for scenic tours. Fly Red Sea seaplanes will use Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and the company is working with ZeroAvia to trial retrofit the Caravans with hydrogen-electric propulsion technology.
Red Sea International Airport, Fly Red Sea’s home base, has a runway parallel to the main terminal specifically for seaplanes, and will eventually add a dedicated seaplane terminal.
On completion in 2030, The Red Sea development will comprise 50 resorts totalling 8,000 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, and leisure facilities.