Abu Dhabi-headquartered Prestige Jet, became the first private jet company to receive an Air Operators Certificate (AOC) from the Qatar Civil Aviation authority.

'The award of the AOC is a further illustration of our commitment to providing the highest levels of customer service and safety across some of our key markets,' said Faris Deeb, Prestige Jet's managing director.

“Massive Middle East growth is predicted over the next five years. We think the regional business aviation market will be worth $1 billion by 2012 and we are seeing yearly growth rates of 15-20 per cent. The development of the market in Qatar in order to capitalise on this potential is now our major focus,” said Ali Al Naqbi, founding chairman of Mebaa (Middle East Business Aviation Association).

Prestige Jet, an original member of Mebaa similarly identifies Qatar’s flourishing natural-gas industry as a driving factor in spurring interest in aviation-on-demand.

“Despite uncertain global economic conditions, the Middle East’s resilient business aviation sector continues to fly ahead. Astute High Net Worth individuals and corporations have recognized private transportation as a means to meet growing demands for fast turn around and convenient international travel solutions  and as a cost-effective and convenient alternative to pricey commercial flights,” said Deeb.

“Our research shows us that we are well ahead of the competition in many ways, not least of which is acquiring Air Operators Certification in the countries we operate in,” said Deeb.

'We consider this vital certification as a vote of confidence from the Qatar civil aviation authorities in the structure and systems we are putting in place as we expand our services,' he concluded.-TradeArabia News Service