The companies included those fully owned by Saudis, Gulf-Arab firms and consortiums of Saudi-Gulf and Saudi-Chinese companies, GACA said, adding that they enjoyed aviation experience and financial capability.
“We'll review their applications and study their financial capabilities in preparation for submitting the document of Request for Proposal (RFP) by the end of April,” GACA said. The RFP will contain detailed information about airports, cities, markets, passenger movement and tender procedures. GACA will invite the applicants for an open meeting to attend presentations to be made by GACA experts and foreign consultants.
GACA will also organize a program for the applicants to visit the Kingdom's airports and cities.
GACA invited on Jan. 21, 2012 tenders from airline companies and investors to operate domestic and international flights from Saudi airports.
“GACA will start receiving tenders during the period starting from Jan. 22 and ending March 18. Interested parties can submit a letter of intent,” GACA had said in an announcement.
GACA said it would provide airline companies that make the best offer with all facilities to operate domestic and international flights successfully.
“We'll not insist that they operate from specific airports and will give them multiple options, including free selection of domestic routes,” it said.
A licensed company will have the freedom to choose any Saudi airport as its hub and also to operate international flights.
“Licensed airline companies will be able to operate international flights within the limits of bilateral agreements,” GACA added.
