Dubai-headquartered luxury private jet operator Elite Jets in partnership with Jet Aviation has taken delivery of a new Cessna Citation Jet (CJ3) in a fleet expansion move designed to meet the region’s rapidly increasing demand for corporate and VIP air travel.

“The GCC’s general economic outlook and booming financial environment can sustain an annual business aviation sector increase of approximately 40 per cent in terms of private aircraft movements and fleet growth,” said member of the board, president and CEO of Elite Jets Ammar Balkar.

“Elite Jets is ideally positioned to contribute significantly to this growth due to our aggressive investment policy and thanks to our location in Dubai, a hub that lies at the heart of one of the world’s fastest-growing business aviation markets catering to both the UAE’s and the GCC region.”

Wholly-owned by Elite Jets, the new light jet is the operator’s third aircraft. Manufactured in 2007, the CJ3 has a maximum range of 3,360 kms, can accommodate up to seven passengers, operate at a high speed cruise of 479 mph, an altitude of 45,000 feet and is ideal for regional travel requirements.

Its best-of-breed interior includes a standard centre-club configuration offering ample stretch-out legroom and adjustable seats handcrafted from the finest materials to provide the ultimate in passenger comfort.

Foldaway work tables and finely crafted furnishing pepper a lounge-like ambience to the whole traveling experience enabling clients to either work or relax en route to their destination.

“It is the newest aircraft introduced to the UAE market with the lowest direct operating cost where the selling market rate per hour is $3,300 and with seven passengers on board, the flight on the CJ3 is cheaper than flying on first class on any airline,” said Balkar.

“The aircraft can fly to Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait or Oman and it can also reach Cairo, Beirut and any major airport within Saudi Arabia with ease, such as Riyadh, Jeddah or Dammam. It is ideal for CEOs, VPs, and corporate executives within the region,” he added.

Elite Jets was established in January 2004 in Dubai, UAE and provides charter, aircraft sales brokerage and aircraft management services. The company holds an Aircraft Operator’s certificate (AOC) from the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and currently operates a fleet of Citation CJ3, Hawker 850XP, and Challenger 604 aircraft and expects the delivery of a brand new Challenger 605 and Falcon 900 in October 2008.

Charter clients include VIPs, individual business and corporate executives as well as leisure travelers from the Middle East and around the world. – TradeArabia News Service