UAE General Civil Aviation Authority awards Air Operator's Certificate to new private jet company, Elite Jets

The company, which is backed by experienced aviation industry players, will operate across a broad range of aviation activities comprising luxury private jet charter, aircraft sales and aircraft management. Elite Jets aims to broaden access to private air travel in the GCC and wider Middle East, by offering flexible and competitive services, focusing initially on the corporate sector.

The award of the AOC coincided with the arrival of Elite Jets' first aircraft, a 7-seater Beechjet 400A, which the company brought in from South Africa. Elite Jets will take delivery of two additional aircraft in 2004.

"Elite Jets aims to offer its clients flexible, private air travel options at competitive prices, based on four key principles - safety, luxury, privacy and care. "Private air travel is not just for the super-rich; it can make very good business sense for companies with busy senior executives on the move. With the flexible fleet we are building, we aim to bring private air travel within reach of many more individuals and families in the region, by being price competitive, whilst still maintaining the highest levels of service, care and discretion and, of course, safety," explained Mr. Paras Dhamecha, Chief Executive Officer of Elite Jets.

Elite Jets has brought together a highly experienced team of aviation and customer service professionals to create a new luxury private jet operator which also understands the importance of customer care.

"Our team includes aviation professionals - from airline heavy jet pilots to corporate flight operations managers, and experienced cabin crew -as well as skills in sales and marketing and the hospitality sector. We also have the backing of some of the most experienced and professional companies in the aviation industry. Together, this team is creating a unique range of services in private aviation in the region, operating across private jet charter, aircraft sales and fleet management."

Elite Jets can help buy and sell new and pre-owned aircraft and, for existing aircraft owners, the company can offer a turnkey management service that completely frees the owner from the burden of operational management.

"By the end of 2004, we aim to operate a fleet of at least three business jets, allowing us to offer our clients a variety of flexible options and very high quality comfort levels, supported by highly experienced pilots and cabin crew. Our first aircraft, the Beechjet 400A, is a powerful, luxurious jet with plush interior club seating, which will operate on most major routes in the Middle East, North Africa and Sub-continent."

Mr. Dhamecha added: "Elite Jets is delighted to have been awarded the AOC and I would like to extend our gratitude to the GCAA for its guidance and support through the application process. We believe Elite Jets will make a significant contribution to the development of private air travel within the GCC and beyond, as well to the reputation of Dubai as the region's air hub."

Elite Jets' founding partners are National Airways Corporation - one of the largest general aviation companies in Africa; Reef Aviation Group, established in 2002 to service royal flights within the GCC; and the Dubai based JML Investment Group.