Dubai-based Empire Aviation Group has expanded its private jet charter activity upon seeing a 12 per cent rise in business jet charter bookings over the last year.

EAG operates the largest managed fleet of business jets in the Middle East, with around 20 jets under management at any one time and several available for private charter.

Charter industry rates are more competitive against commercial airlines, which is helping boost demand, the company said in a statement.

In the Middle East, company business charters dominate outside of the peak summer months, when leisure travel takes precedence with the Maldives and Seychelles included in the top leisure destinations. Top corporate charter destinations this year include London, Paris, Hong Kong and Mumbai, with per seat rates for groups of business people flying on a private charter jet comparing favourably with first class seats on commercial flights; charter rates are currently ranging from around $2,000 (GCC) to around $10,000 (Europe) per seat for return flights, depending on the aircraft type, charter destination and duration.    

According to EAG, the reasons for business charter vary and each mission is tailored to the specific needs of the travelling corporate executive, management team or business owner. From the choice of aircraft type, to routing and destinations, onboard services to ground services, each charter presents its own demands. Common requests include corporate roadshows, where individuals or management teams fly around the region on multiple stopovers following an intensive travel itinerary.

The business jet charter provides flexibility, convenience and in many cases, the only viable option, and where groups are involved, this can be a very cost effective way to travel compared to first class commercial air travel, the company said.

Empire Aviation Group operates its managed fleet of private jets from its base at Dubai International Airport. Paras Dhamecha, executive director of Empire Aviation Group, comments: “Business jet charter declined in the region during the global economic downturn but is now returning strongly. The scale and diversity of our managed fleet – which includes business jets from all the major manufacturers - provides a range of aircraft options for business and leisure charter clients.

“Passengers enjoy flexible schedules, private terminal facilities with simple check-in procedures, privacy and convenience, safety and security, along with flexible personal services on the ground, such as luxury limousine transfers, and bespoke in-flight service options. Charter rates are also very competitive compared to first class commercial but the benefits are incomparable,” he added. - TradeArabia News Service