Private aviation business is witnessing higher growth this year in UAE in general and Dubai in particular, driven by a combination of factors, said the chief executive of a leading jet charter company.

The favourable factors include accelerated economic recovery from recession and unrest in some parts of the region, generating a higher demand for charter flights to and from the UAE, added Hugh Courtenay, founder and chief executive of Private Jet Charter, a major independent private jet charter broker and consultant providing access to over 50,000 aircraft.

“Dubai is well positioned to see a rise in visitors and private jet business due to disturbances in other parts of the region,” Courtenay said.

“The strong performance of the private jet business in Dubai has outpaced the growth in other parts of the Middle East due to the emirate’s consolidation as key holiday destination,” he added.

The unrest and uncertainty in some countries in the Middle East region has prompted tourists to cancel their travel bookings to these destinations which attracted more than 25 million visitors last year.

Dubai could capture more than five million of these 25 million tourists, which will automatically boost the private jet business, according to Courtenay.

“Most of our clients are high net worth individuals and affluent families, who look at Dubai as a preferred destination, especially considering the uncertainty in some parts of the region,” Courtenay continued.

“Affluent holiday makers look for convenience and time savings in jet services and this is where Private Jet Charter fits in.  Based on bookings from our clients, who include royal families, wealthy business people and CEOs, the UAE has emerged as a destination of choice for spending their summer vacation,” he added.

Key benefits that the Private Jet Charter offers its customers include 24 hour service round the year, multilingual and expert staff, competitive free quotations and advice, unique CATS aircraft sourcing technology, flight watch monitoring on all executive air charter flights, a company statement said.

This involves keeping the PA or travel organiser informed of every stage of the journey, from limousine pick-up to take-off, progress of the flight and landing.

Other benefits the charter company include new generation private jets, high-calibre pilots and cabin crew, use of private business and VIP terminals, check-in only 15 minutes before departure, rapid but secure, immigration procedures, fly from an airport of your choice at your time, ‘meet and greet’ facilities, comprehensive airport information and limousine ground transportation, the statement said. – TradeArabia News Service