Empire Aviation Group and Luxury Air Travel by Dnata join forces to develop the regional market for private air charter

The agreement was signed by Empire Aviation Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr Paras Dhamecha, and Mr Iain Andrew, Divisional Senior Vice President, Dnata Travel Services, at a ceremony at the Executive Flight Services terminal at Dubai International Airport. The agreement reflects the strong growth in demand for the privacy, comfort and convenience of private air charter services within the region, within both the corporate and leisure travel segments.

Under the terms of the new agreement, the company will market and sell the private jet charter services of Empire Aviation Group. The Luxury Air Travel by Dnata team is fully trained, experienced and committed to promoting the development of the private charter sales operation. To support this new deal, Luxury Air Travel by Dnata is including complimentary limousine transfers with every Empire Aviation charter booked.

According to MEBAA (Middle East Business Aviation Association), the Middle East charter market has grown at 10-15% per annum in the last two-three years and is now estimated to be worth around $500m annually. IATA forecasts predict the Middle East will be the fastest growing region for international traffic over the next few years, with increases expected to be around 7 percent annually, well ahead of the world average of 4.8%.

Paras Dhamecha, CEO of Empire Aviation Group, comments: "This agreement with Dnata's new luxury air travel division is well timed and matches our rapidly developing luxury charter services with the operational reach and outstanding reputation of Dnata, as the regional market develops with greater demand for and access to private air travel.

"Operating successfully in the private charter market requires a very high level of customer service and the care and attention to detail that allows us to deliver a 5-star travel experience on every flight for these very discerning customers. Luxury charter goes well beyond the provision and management of a private jet and can encompass everything from transfers and hotels, to the personal selection of a VIP menu with silver service, to onboard entertainment. This combines with the ultimate convenience of the customer's selection of destination, route and timetable, through private air terminals, to create a very special experience. Every charter flight is a unique service product and demands the operational and service resources and skills to create this, sometimes with as little as three hours' notice.

"The regional market for private aviation is very buoyant and Empire Aviation Group has assembled a highly experienced team of aviation specialists to offer a comprehensive portfolio of services, including private jet charter. We have been active in the charter market since the end of 2007 since when we have added new aircraft to the fleet and this fleet expansion will continue strongly through 2008, creating new charter capacity. The response to our charter service has been very good and aircraft utilisation has been high."

Iain Andrew, Divisional Senior Vice President of Dnata Travel Services, said: "We are delighted to announce the agreement between Luxury Air Travel by Dnata and Empire Aviation Group. I am confident that Dnata's unrivalled local knowledge and expertise in the travel sector, together with Empire Aviation Group's top quality product will be a successful combination that will be popular in the marketplace.

"The flexibility, privacy and comfort of travelling by private jet means this mode of travel is becoming increasingly popular in the Middle East with business and leisure travellers alike. The partnership between Luxury Air Travel by Dnata and Empire Aviation Group will ensure both parties are extremely well placed to take advantage of the recent upturn in demand for these services. It also means that our clients can be assured of a first class service, from enquiry to destination."

Empire Aviation Group was established in the UAE in 2007 as a one-stop shop for private aviation services, for aircraft sales (the company is the distributor for Hawker Beechcraft Corporation), management, operation and charter and ancillary services. The company operates from Dubai International Airport with a fleet of five executive jet aircraft including a Hawker 850XP, Hawker 800, Challenger 604, and will shortly receive an Embraer Legacy 600 and a Gulfstream III.