UAE's Royal Jet broadens its horizons in Russia

We are taking the first steps into a deeper feasibility study by participating in such high profile events, and testing the possibility of having a permanent presence in Russia," explained His Excellency Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Chairman, Royal Jet

The strategic initiative aims to test the key Russian market, where clients are not only seeking services to the Middle East but beyond - particularly to the Maldives and the Seychelles.

"Russia is a very important market for Royal Jet as the demand for luxury aviation services is increasing dramatically," said Sheikh Hamdan. "The UAE is strategically placed to supply the Russian market as it is only four hours flying time from Moscow, and provides an excellent hub for multiple international destinations.

"Our presence in Russia will provide Royal Jet with a competitive edge in the aviation sector relative to other executive flight providers both regionally and internationally."

Tourism figures show that the number of Russian visitors to the UAE has been steadily increasing by approximately 16 per cent annually. Exhibitions such as Extravaganza offer consumers looking for high-level tourism options an opportunity to gather information on luxury service providers.

"Royal Jet has been steadily increasing its presence in the Russian market, with participation in exhibitions such as the Moscow International Travel and Trade Exhibition (MIIT) and the Moscow Leisure Exhibition,"

said Ammar Balkar, Senior Vice President Sales and Marketing, Royal Jet.

"We offer a competitive, discreet, and exclusive service. With some 36 billionaires and hundreds of millionaires in Russia the opportunity for Royal Jet to demonstrate its superior service to this market could not be overlooked. Extravaganza is a perfect springboard for Royal Jet as the very essence of the exhibition is only the best in luxury lifestyle."

The existing fleet includes two Gulfstreams (G300), one Bombardier Challenger (CL300), one Learjet (LR-55) and the largest commercial offering of four Boeing Business Jets (BBJ1), two of which are fitted with a VIP state room/bed-room. The BBJ1s form the world's largest charter fleet of this long-range aircraft.

The aircraft can be configured to suit the needs of the individual client and can be operational within as little as three hours.

Royal Jet also provides consultancy services for private jet owners through its aircraft management and acquisition division and operates a fixed base operation (FBO) VIP terminal from where it delivers a full range of maintenance, ground handling, crew and catering services to all executive flights operating in or through Abu Dhabi.

Additionally the company also operates Royal Med - its specialist medical evacuation (Medevac) air ambulance division. It has a full-time Aero Medical team and is equipped with leading-edge medical equipment - capable of transporting patients in an intensive care unit configuration to worldwide destinations.

"As one of the founders of the 2005 inaugural Middle East Business Aviation (MEBA) event, we are dedicated to serving the aviation sector across the entire spectrum of the business," commented Balkar.