Regional market for business jets poised for growth as corporate sector develops

The two companies recently concluded two days of joint flight demonstrations for prospective corporate and individual clients in the UAE.

"The Middle East business jet market is still in its infancy but there is a convergence of factors which now make this market increasingly attractive to Raytheon Aircraft Company," said Sean McGeough, Raytheon Aircraft Company's Vice President for Europe, Middle East and Africa. "Firstly, the development of the corporate sector which creates the market for business jets and moves the emphasis away from big jets for the VVIP market. Secondly, Raytheon Aircraft Company's product range, which is very strong in the mid-size jet segment, is perfect for this regional market; finally - and just as importantly - the emergence of a local partner in Elite Jets, who provides the local intelligence and expertise in aircraft sales, leasing and charter."

The Dubai flight demonstrations showcased three of the company's Beechcraft and Hawker branded aircraft - 6-seater Beechraft Premier 1 jet, 7-seater Beechcraft King Air B200 turboprop, and a 9-seater Hawker 1000 jet which will join the Elite Jets fleet of aircraft and operate out of Dubai. The UAE demonstrations were arranged by Elite Jets and supported by Titan Aviation, reflecting the commitment of both companies to a rapidly developing and increasingly attractive UAE market both for private jet sales and charter.

Elite Jets CEO, Paras Dhamecha, added: "The flight demonstrations in Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah were very well received and highlighted the strength of Raytheon Aircraft Company's Beechcraft and Hawker product range. This was the first joint marketing activity between the two companies and we will also be sharing stand space at Dubai International Air Show, this November. Elite Jets is operating a Hawker 1000 and a Beechjet 400A as part of our charter fleet, which provides the perfect shop window for prospective buyers in the region."

Elite Jets operates across a broad range of aviation activities comprising luxury private jet charter, aircraft sales and aircraft management and aims to broaden access to private air travel in the GCC and wider Middle East, by offering flexible and competitive services. 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.