Dubai-based 'Elite Jets' on a mission to develop the Middle East market for business jets

Elite Jets operates from Dubai International Airport and was awarded its Air Operator's Certificate by the GCAA in November 2004. The company is backed by National Airways Corporation (NAC) of South Africa - one of the largest general aviation companies in the world and the largest in Africa - and JML Investments, a diversified investment group based in Dubai.

Recent developments at Elite Jets include the delivery of its second Raytheon Hawker 1000 aircraft, which has joined the company's charter fleet, an agreement with Dubai-based Al Naboodah Travel and Tourism through which Elite Jets will provide its charter services to Al Naboodah's own corporate and leisure clients, and a block booking with International Air Charter (IAC) for a minimum of 100 hours a year for a Dubai-based client of IAC.

"One year after receiving our AOC from the GCAA, Elite Jets has already built a solid business jet charter operation, working with multinational companies such as luxury brand owner Harry Winston," said Elite Jets' CEO, Paras Dhamecha. "We have just acquired our second aircraft - another Raytheon Hawker 1000 - creating an excellent shop window in which to showcase the aircraft to prospective buyers within the region."

Commenting on the sales potential in the region, Mr Dhamecha said:

"We are finding that the corporate market is increasingly receptive to the concept of aircraft ownership and our ability to tailor a business model to each prospective client is a great advantage. We are working closely with manufacturers such as Raytheon Aircraft Company and others, in marketing and business development. Earlier this year, we held aircraft demonstrations in the UAE with Raytheon Aircraft Company, which generated a lot of new interest."

"Our prospects are looking very encouraging; we currently have 15 serious potential buyers at various stages in the pipeline and we are very confident that we will convert some of these into sales. We believe our ability to offer aircraft management and charter services and our commitment to making the purchase, ownership and management of aircraft as simple as possible for the buyer, will make a difference."

Elite Jets is able to source any type of aircraft, whether new or used, through its partners, such as Raytheon Aircraft Company - and NAC, which holds a substantial inventory of aircraft and is a successful international distributor for Raytheon Aircraft Company. "Of course, the local presence and commitment, and international reputation and support of the manufacturers is also very reassuring to prospective buyers," added Mr Dhamecha

Through its jet charter business, Elite Jets is working closely with various local and international charter aircraft brokers who have been booking the company's aircraft. "The feedback we have received from the brokers utilizing our services has been very positive," said Mr Dhamecha. "Elite Jets' commitment to understanding and responding to client needs and providing 5-star client service alongside our luxury aircraft, is being rewarded."

In addition to developing its own business base, Elite Jets has been supporting the start-up of Pakistan's first commercial business jet operator, by identifying and sourcing a suitable aircraft for the Karachi-based Lynx Aviation. The new company acquired its first aircraft, a Raytheon Hawker 800A - Pakistan's first business jet, which was refurbished to meet the market needs - through Elite Jets. "Lynx Aviation recognizes the charter business potential in Pakistan's corporate sector, especially in the oil and gas industries, which are developing quickly. "We are pleased to be able to support the development of this new company, which was able to benefit from our recent start-up experience," said Paras Dhamecha.