Empire Aviation hires Paul van der Blom

Dubai-based Empire Aviation Group has appointed Paul van der Blom (pictured below) as head of aircraft management.

van der Blom will oversee a fleet of more than 20 business jets under management, supporting aircraft owners with operational oversight, asset optimisation and charter revenue opportunities.

With more than 30 years of aviation industry experience across Europe and the Middle East, van der Blom has held senior leadership roles spanning aircraft sales, aircraft management, leasing, commercial strategy and client relations. Previous roles include positions with Airbus, DC Aviation, ExecuJet, Hawker Pacific, Luxaviation Group and TAG Aviation. 

Paul holds a Master of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering from Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands.

Paras Dhamecha, founder and MD of Empire Aviation Group said: “Paul van der Blom’s extensive international experience and deep understanding of aircraft ownership, operations and client requirements make him a valuable addition to our leadership team at a time of sustained growth and with a strong pipeline of new aircraft. It’s all about building trust with owners who want the reassurance of entrusting their multimillion-dollar assets to experienced managers.

“Aircraft management sits at the heart of our business, and strengthening this capability is essential as we continue to scale our fleet and expand our global footprint.”

Empire Aviation integrates aircraft management, sales, charter and CAMO (continued airworthiness management organisation) services. The company holds air operator certificates (AOCs) in the UAE and San Marino and supports operations across key global markets, including Europe, Middle East, Africa, West Asia and Southeast Asia.

Dhamecha added that the company continues to invest in its long-term growth strategy, including the development of a new facility at Mohammed bin Rashid Aerospace Hub in Dubai South.

“Empire Aviation works globally but our roots are here in Dubai and the UAE, which continue to strengthen their position and support the vision of making Dubai the aviation capital of the world, through world-class infrastructure, progressive regulation and a strong ecosystem. This creates significant opportunities for private aviation operators like Empire Aviation and for our clients, worldwide,” said Dhamecha.