Aircraft sales drive Empire Aviation Group fleet and regional expansion plans for Middle East

EAG has already appointed an RSA in Qatar and has committed to a joint venture operation with a partner in Saudi Arabia, which will replicate the Dubai business model and the full portfolio of services from a base in Riyadh, by the middle of 2009.

EAG aircraft sales have powered ahead in 2008 with 20 firm aircraft orders from clients in the region a combination of new Hawker and Beechcraft aircraft and various other pre-owned models.

Aircraft sales are growing the rest of the company's aviation activities including a managed fleet of 11 aircraft, from all the major
manufacturers, nine of which are available for commercial charter and two of which are managed on behalf of private owners.

EAG's expansion includes the team and facilities; headcount will rise to 80 staff by year end 2008 and the company has just unveiled plans for an 80,000 square feet hangar facility at Dubai World Central which will showcase the company's products and services and operate as the worldwide headquarters of Empire Aviation Group.

Steve Hartley, Executive Director of Empire Aviation Group and Head of Aircraft Sales, comments:

"Empire Aviation Group has achieved a great deal in its first full year of operation and we continue to grow rapidly across all aspects of our business. Aircraft sales are holding up very well and demand for the Beechcraft Premier II business jet, which is an excellent entry level light jet aircraft, continues to increase."

Paras Dhamecha, Executive Director of Empire Aviation Group, adds, "The private aviation sector continues to develop quickly across the region with new world class infrastructure being added and whilst economic activity may be slowing, we remain very confident about the prospects for the medium to long term. Our new JV in Saudi Arabia will be a major step in our development into a regional force in private aviation."