Empire Aviation Group adds two new executive jets to Middle East fleet

The company has just taken delivery of an Embraer Legacy 600 super mid-size business jet, and a Hawker 850XP jet, which the company will manage and operate on behalf of their owners and offer to the regional charter market.

This brings to six the total number of aircraft in the EAG fleet, with a Gulfstream GIII expected at the end of May. The fleet consists of aircraft from every major business jet manufacturer, as Empire Aviation Group grows rapidly within the expanding regional market for private aviation, offering sales, management, operations and charter services.

The new aircraft add new dimensions to the EAG fleet; the Embraer Legacy 600 offers outstanding levels of comfort, with 13 VIP seats (capable of sleeping six onboard) in a spacious stand-up cabin, which has three zones for additional comfort and privacy. The Hawker 850XP is a mid-size jet with a large aircraft feel, including stand-up headroom from front to back of the cabin, which has four fully-berthable seats.

A team from Empire Aviation Group flew to Brazil to take formal delivery of the Embraer Legacy directly from the manufacturer and the aircraft was granted its UAE registration prior to its departure from the Embraer facility in Brazil.

Paras Dhamecha, CEO of Empire Aviation Group, comments: "Our managed fleet of executive jets continues to grow rapidly and is now one of the largest in the region, after only six months of operations. Both of these new aircraft complement our existing executive jet fleet. They are very reliable and comfortable aircraft with excellent features and range, and we expect them to be hard working assets for their owners."

"Both of these new aircraft will be offered to the regional business jet charter market, adding new capacity to a market where demand is growing strongly. Our charter operations continue to develop, helped by the agreement signed recently with Luxury Air Travel by Dnata, for whom Empire Aviation is a preferred charter services provider."

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% annually, well ahead of the world average of 4.8%.

The Embraer Legacy's onboard technology and entertainment systems include TV, CD, DVD and satellite phones, as well as wireless high speed data connection. The Rolls Royce powered Legacy has a range of 3250nm, which puts all the major capitals and business centres of the Middle East and Europe within easy range - or London-New York non stop.

The Hawker 850XP has a cabin management system with touch screen controls at each seat. Designed as an airborne office, the Hawker offers a very spacious and comfortable working environment for eight passengers. The range of 2392nm makes it the ideal regional business jet.