Bombardier Eyes Saudi Skies as Private Jet Demand Soars

The sound of private jets taking off at Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport has become an unmistakable sign of change. Saudi Arabia’s aviation landscape is evolving rapidly, and among those taking notice is Bombardier, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of business aircraft.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Future Investment Initiative (FII) in Riyadh, Ève Laurier, Bombardier’s Vice President for Communications, Marketing, and Public Affairs, described the Middle East—particularly Saudi Arabia—as “a growth market unlike any other.”

“Since COVID, we’ve seen an extraordinary acceleration in demand for private jets,” Laurier said. “When commercial aviation was shut down, people turned to private flying out of necessity—and they quickly realized the advantages it brings. That shift never went away.”

According to Laurier, Bombardier’s order book remains exceptionally strong. The company currently has around 5,000 Bombardier aircraft flying worldwide, producing between 150 and 160 jets, all custom-built to client specifications. “We don’t hold inventory—each jet is built on demand. And right now, we have a waiting list,” she noted.

A Strategic Moment for Saudi Aviation

Laurier’s visit marked her first official trip to the Kingdom, and she said she was “amazed” by the concentration of private jets parked in Riyadh. “It’s a clear indicator of a booming market,” she remarked. “We see enormous potential here, and Bombardier intends to grow alongside Saudi Arabia.”

The company is now exploring opportunities to establish a regional maintenance and service hub to support the expanding fleet of Bombardier aircraft across the Gulf. “As the number of aircraft in the region increases, so does the need for localized support infrastructure,” Laurier explained. “We’re evaluating what the right model might look like—whether it’s a maintenance center or a broader partnership with Saudi stakeholders.”

Laurier said her team brought several Bombardier executives to Riyadh to deepen their understanding of the region’s economic transformation. “FII is the perfect platform to meet investors, business leaders, and policymakers,” she added. “We want to listen, understand the Kingdom’s priorities, and identify where Bombardier can be a trusted partner in aviation..”

Long-Range Luxury with Business Purpose

The strongest demand, Laurier revealed, is for Bombardier’s flagship Global 8000, capable of flying 8,000 nautical miles non-stop—enough to connect Riyadh to New York, London, or the Bahamas without refueling. “Executives and entrepreneurs here operate on a truly global scale,” she said. “They need aircraft that can take them anywhere in the world, seamlessly and efficiently.”

While some may see private jets as symbols of luxury, Laurier views them as tools of productivity and growth. “There’s a saying we all know—time is money,” she said. “For many of our clients, flying private isn’t about prestige; it’s about efficiency. It allows them to reach their teams, sites, and partners directly—without losing hours in transit. When you consider the economic value of that time, private aviation becomes a strategic business decision.”

A Diversified Client Base

Bombardier’s global customer mix reflects this pragmatic approach. Around one-third of the company’s sales come from fleet and charter operators such as VistaJet and NetJets, which purchase Bombardier jets and offer fractional ownership or jet-card programs. “You no longer need to own a plane to fly private,” Laurier said. “You can buy 50 hours a year, mix it with commercial travel, and still experience the comfort and efficiency of business aviation. This model is booming in the Gulf as well.”

Another third of Bombardier’s clients are corporate and government entities, while the remainder are ultra-high-net-worth individuals who use their jets for both business and leisure. “In the Middle East, we see a very healthy mix of all three segments,” Laurier explained. “You have global companies expanding across continents, government delegations managing high-level travel, and entrepreneurs leading family-owned businesses with international reach.”

From Skyboardrooms to Air Ambulances

Beyond executive travel, Bombardier’s aircraft are increasingly being adapted for special missions. Laurier revealed that several governments have acquired the company’s Global series aircraft for surveillance and reconnaissance, outfitting them with satellite systems, sensors, and onboard computers for advanced monitoring.

“Our aircraft are fast, efficient, and highly customizable,” she said. “They can fly higher, land almost anywhere, and operate at a fraction of the cost of traditional military platforms. That’s why governments are finding them ideal for satellite and observation missions.”

Another growing segment is air-ambulance conversions, or medevac aircraft. Bombardier’s jets can be fitted with full medical setups to evacuate patients from remote or crisis zones to hospitals in major cities. “Governments see this as one of the smartest investments they can make,” Laurier said. “In emergencies, having an aircraft that can reach difficult areas quickly and bring people back safely can make all the difference.”

A Shared Vision for Growth

For Laurier, Bombardier’s ambition in Saudi Arabia extends beyond selling aircraft. “We want to grow with the Kingdom,” she emphasized. “Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is reshaping the economy and the perception of what’s possible in aviation. This country is connecting continents, investing in infrastructure, and driving innovation—it aligns perfectly with our mission.”

As Bombardier looks ahead, Laurier believes the company’s combination of technical excellence, long-range capability, and operational efficiency positions it well to serve the region’s fast-changing market. “This is a great moment for Saudi Arabia—and a great moment for us,” she concluded. “The Kingdom’s appetite for innovation and connectivity perfectly matches our DNA. The skies here are just the beginning.”