Private jet booking patterns set for change

The way executive customers book and pay for private charter flights could be on the verge of a major shift, as recently-formed Empire Aviation Group hints at plans to work together with the travel trade for the first time.

"It's on the cards," said Paras Dhamecha, CEO, Empire Aviation Group.

"We can't say too much about it at this stage but we are heading in that direction."

Private jet charters have until now been booked either directly through the service provider or through charter brokers, but following talks with a major Dubai-based travel company at the Dubai Airshow, Empire could soon begin to work on luxury holiday packages.

Dhamecha said that further developments could be expected in the New Year.

Former CEO of Dubai-based Elite Jets, Dhamecha formed Empire Aviation Group in July, with a focus on aircraft sales and aircraft management, to cater to the increasing number of people who own private aircraft and require management services, as well as the growing numbers of corporate travellers who opt for private air travel.

"It's growing exponentially - we are shocked at the growth of private jets in this region," he told ATN.

"With the market as it is, right now we are still just scraping the surface."

Empire - which is also the authorised sales representative for Hawker Beechcraft Corporation - uses its fleet of managed aircraft for its charter operations, but does not own any aircraft: "We have a very good product in the mid-size range and super mid-size range," said Dhamecha.

"About 50% of business currently comes from brokers in the region and the rest is corporate clients. It will be interesting to see how it goes."

Bahrain start-up Rizon Jet has also said that it is looking into the possibility of working with corporate travel agents and tour operators to leverage their influence on "executive travellers".

"The company identified a niche target market that are currently being under-served by normal commercial carriers and private jet operators in the GCC, who are looking for value-driven travel solutions, treasure time and convenience of travelling," said Assaad Abiad, chief marketing officer, Rizon Jet.

"Our sales teams directly penetrate the corporate markets, but we will also work through travel agents and tour operators, as well as traditional channels like brokers."

The firm currently operates just one aircraft, a six seater Premier 1A, but is set to take delivery of a Hawker 900 XP in March.

Print | Email | Discuss this article

| Share |

READERS' COMMENTS

Click here to post a comment

Add your Comment All posts are sent to the administrator for review and are published only after approval. ArabianBusiness.com reserves the right to remove any comment at any time for any reason. Please keep your responses appropriate and on topic. Arabian Business would like to point out that only comments relevant to the story will be published. Any containing personal insults or inappropriate language will not be approved.
Name *
Remember me on this computer
Email *	(Your email address will not be published)
City
Country
Subject *
Comment *
Notify me of further comments
Enter the words above *
Please click post only once - your comment will not be published immediately.

MORE FROM ARABIANBUSINESS.COM