Private Jet Charter (PJC), a top private jet charter broker, and Jet Connections, a specialist in private aircraft management, have launched a new company offering full-fledged aircraft management services.

X Jets deal will cover the Middle East region, and plans expansion into Africa and India later in 2016. This step reinforces the position of Dubai as a world class aviation centre and it is the newest addition to the aircraft management industry in the region, a statement said.

The initial operations are set to begin in the first quarter (Q1) of 2016 driven by the global networks of both companies. X Jets is targeting a significant market share of the air charter management sector in 2016, according to Hugh Courtenay, chairman of the new company and founder and chief executive of PJC.

“The aircraft industry in the Middle East continues product development and innovation which improves deliveries. Business jet delivery is huge in the Middle East, which has driven us to launch this new company. X Jets will provide a strong growth driver in a very fast expanding market,” said Courtenay.

“X Jets will be supported by two leading jet fleet operators, which offer maximum ease, affordability and availability round the clock to our clients. Our global network backed with the reliable services of Jet Connections will help in offering superior services to clients of X Jets.”

Zaher Deir, managing director of X Jets and Jet Connections said: “We are delighted to launch this new company. Selecting Dubai as a base for X Jets is ideal as it is a gateway to all other markets. We believe there is immense scope of growth of executive charter air services in the Middle East region.”

The company opened its headquarters in Dubai, one of the fastest growing and huge potential aviation hubs in the world. According to recent industry reports, the UAE is the third largest market for business aircraft in Middle East with 17 per cent market share.

Through Dubai, the new addition to aircraft management industry in the Middle East, X Jets will offer a wide range of distinguished jet aircraft services, including world-wide aircraft charter, turn-key jet aircraft management and maintenance, jet aircraft sales and acquisitions and expert, competent staff catering to every travel need.

The Middle East and Africa take a 7.9 per cent share of the global business jet shipments in 2014.

According to 2014 General Aviation Statistical Databook & 2015 Industry Outlook issued by GAMA, an international trade association representing more than 85 of the world’s leading manufacturers of general aviation airplanes, total airplane shipments increased to 2,454 airplanes, while billings rose to $24.5 billion in 2014. – TradeArabia News Service