Prestige Jet backs flourishing Middle East business aviation market with sponsorship of MEBA 2008

The company has been confirmed as a platinum sponsor of the 2nd Middle East Business Aviation Show (MEBA) 2008 from 16-18th November. The event is forecast to be double the size of the inaugural 2007 show.

Managing Director Faris Deeb said that the company's sponsorship of the expo provides multi-benefits.

"We are naturally proud to be in a position to put our support behind what is the flagship event for our industry in the region and to help further demonstrate the current strength of the Middle East private aviation business and to encourage future growth opportunities that exist for everyone in this segment," he said.

"At the same time we are able to declare that Prestige Jet, while a relatively new entrant in this market, has quickly cemented its position as a leading private aviation company through a number of strategic investments and strategies."

Prestige Jet, which was founded in May 2007, will also have a large physical presence at
This year's MEBA, showcasing its recently announced partnership with Duncan Aviation.

Duncan Aviation is the world's largest, privately owned corporate aviation business, and a recognised industry leader, dedicated to the provision of maintenance and a wide array of other services for the corporate business aircraft industry.

Organisers of MEBA 2008, F&E Aerospace, recently stated global and regional business aviation demand is being fuelled by the business community's increasing recognition of the value of using business jets as a means of enhancing productivity.

And according to industry sources, some 39,000 new business aircraft will be entering the global market by 2027, 40% of which are expected to be in the medium or large business jet category.

Prestige Jet's own fleet is fast expanding and since the end of the first quarter, the private jet operator has rapidly grown its fleet through acquisition and management deals and today it operates eleven aircraft, a figure that is planned to grow further before the end of the year.

Discussions are currently underway with manufacturers and third party suppliers to identify the best available aircraft to meet the specific needs of the fast growing Middle East market.