Royal Jet appoints new Vice-President of Operations

The announcement follows hard on the heels of the company's recent appointment of Shane O'Hare as President and CEO and its planned fleet expansion from 11 to 25 aircraft.

'This is a strategic appointment to enhance our management structure as we embark on an intensive growth period both within the Middle East and further a field.

'There is buoyant demand for business aviation services as corporate and individual clientele in these rapidly developing markets embrace the benefits of 'aviation on demand' which delivers considerable time efficiencies and heightened privacy. Royal Jet is readying itself to seize these emerging opportunities.'

Bray joins Royal Jet after eight years with British Mediterranean Airways (BMED), where he piloted A320 and A321 aircraft. In 2001 he was BMED's Technical Captain acting as the focal point for all technical issues relating to flight operations, before being promoted three years later to Flight Operations Manager in charge of managing BMED's eight strong fleet.

In 2006 Bray became Head of BMED's Projects and Business Development, rising rapidly to Head of Programme, where he was responsible to the Board for implementation of the company's business plan.

Prior to BMED, Andrew served with the British Royal Air Force, quickly progressing to flying large aircraft - training which encompassed management of air operations at strategic and operational levels. He left the RAF to move into commercial operations, having risen to the rank of Wing Commander.

'Royal Jet has a worldwide reputation for excellence, and this combined with the dynamic pace of the aviation industry in the UAE were major attracting factors in accepting this unique position,' said Bray.

'I believe my skills and expertise will contribute to the continued high-calibre operations of the company, and am looking forward to being part of the exciting and energetic expansion plans throughout the region and beyond.'

With a fleet that includes the world's largest commercial offering of five Boeing Business Jets (BBJ), Royal Jet offers a complete range of aviation services, from VIP charter and ground handling to its medical evacuation service (MEDEVAC), through to aircraft management, providing clients with turnkey solutions for acquiring, maintaining and managing private jets.

'With its hard-earned reputation for quality service, innovation and efficiency, Royal Jet continues to evolve as we move to ensure that a product which is now leading the market in the Middle East becomes a key competitor in the new vibrant economies,' said O'Hare. 'An expansion strategy will be rolled out before the end of this year and will have a strong international focus.'