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Increasing accessibility and efficiency has led to rising demand for chartered jet providers in the Middle East. Indeed, extra competition between providers, together with developments in aviation business and technology, mean business jets are now affordable for many companies. Saving time by avoiding the usual scheduled flight rigmarole has also contributed to rising demand for chartered services in the Middle East. The private jet market's growth can be attributed to the 9/11 terrorist attacks, according to Ammar Balkar, president and CEO of the Middle East Business Aviation Association (MEBAA). "The demand for business jets went up by 40 % worldwide, mainly due to security reasons," he says. Since then, the Middle East region has recorded major growth, with six GCC states accounting for 80% of the total regional business aviation activity. They are Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait and Qatar.

Growth in the Middle East can also be attributed to the chartered jet industry's recent renaissance. Indeed, the sector was traditionally exclusive to ‘royalties and high-net worth individuals' as Balkar puts it. But after 2001, business executive, which is considered a more lucrative and convenient service, had emerged. "Time is money at the end of the day," Balkar says. "Jets offer privacy and confidentiality, quick access in and out of airports via special terminals, and flexibility. They also allow you to choose your itinerary, while providing catering and a high quality of service."

Chartered flights provider Royal Jet has benefited from the rising demand for business jet services. President and CEO Shane O'Hara says the company reported record growth levels up to this year's opening quarter. "The number of private jet flights in and out of Dubai International Airport grew to 51.4% in the first quarter of 2007 compared to the same period last year. Abu Dhabi Airport is currently receiving 50 flights a month from the private charter sector." But it's not just the Middle East. Chartered jet service providers in China and Russia are proving increasingly popular, suggesting further profit surges for industry players across the globe.

For O'Hara, the Middle East's booming tourist and business industries, coupled with the growing MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) market, has led to increased demand in recent years.

"All of the above contribute to the fast and continuous growth of the GCC's economies and business, and creates a new demand for business aviation," he says. "Part of the growth in numbers at our FBO (Fixed Base Operations) facility is due to the remarkable increase in visitors to Abu Dhabi, and in this sector our revenue has risen by around 68% over the same period last year."

Aside from operating charter flights from Abu Dhabi International Airport's VIP terminal, Royal Jet also provides other aviation services, including VIP charter and aircraft management. Other areas covered by Royal Jet include acquiring, maintaining and managing private aircraft, and ground handling for its established medical evacuation service (MEDEVAC). The company's aircraft fleet now includes five Boeing Business Jets (BBJ), and two Learjet 35 aircraft. Clients can also acquire their own aircraft, with Royal Jet acting as consultant for the purchase.

"As part of the arrangement, other customers are able to charter the plane when it is not in use, which helps the owner save money and enables Royal Jet to boost its fleet of available aircraft," O'Hara says.

With more chartered flights providers entering the market, competition to provide affordable rates has increased in recent years. As a result, demand for business jet providers will continue to rise, according to Balkar. He adds the region's industry is expected to expand by 15% year-on-year, generating some US$1 billion by 2010.

By that time, some smaller operators will provide cheaper seats than established airlines offering first class tickets. "In the next five years, the number of business jets coming to the region bought by private owners will reach 100 aircraft," Balkar says.

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