Empire Aviation Group expects more growth for UAE
Paras Dhamecha of Empire Aviation Group
Empire Aviation Group in Dubai has seen a 10 per cent growth in corporate charter business.
Paras Dhamecha of Empire Aviation Group.
The UAE’s private aviation sector will enjoy benefits after Dubai’s successful bid for Expo 2020, according to Dubai-based Empire Aviation Group (EAG).
EAG’s corporate charter business is running 10 per cent higher than the previous (2012-2013) winter charter season, in terms of the number of flights flown, with typical missions comprising corporate roadshows to several destinations in the region in a condensed and intensive itinerary.
Regional industry indicators remain encouraging with industry commentators suggesting that the regional business jet fleet size has grown seven per cent per annum over the last five years and aircraft purchasing plans are signaling robust demand and a preference for larger cabin, longer range aircraft.
The UAE’s aviation infrastructure is expanding rwith the opening of Dubai World Central, complementing Dubai International and Sharjah International Airport; the Al Bateen Executive Airport in Abu Dhabi has registered around 18 per cent growth in visiting private aircraft over the last 12 months.
Paras Dhamecha, executive director at Empire Aviation Group, said: “We are certainly seeing an increase in corporate charters compared to last year due to the healthier business climate in the region and the boost of the Expo 2020 success.”
“We also see a more regional approach to corporatecharters with companies undertaking roadshows to multiple destinations around the entire GCC region, including Doha, Kuwait, Riyadh and Jeddah, which canonly be achieved efficiently through private charter, which offers the speed, convenience and flexibility for demanding business travel itineraries,” added Dhamecha.
Corporate charter flights account for around 70 per cent of EAG’s total charter business in the region, the key trade routes around the GCC and Middle East remain very active, alongside the European cities such as Geneva and London and the key business centres in Africa and the CIS countries.
