The business aviation sector in Middle East and North Africa (MENA) is expected to reach a volume $1.2 billion by 2020, with a fleet comprising 1,200 private aircrafts registered in MEMA region, according to MEBAA airshow site.
The strong demand is explained globally by the globalization of trade, the appearance of new markets, the introduction of new aircraft programs and the international expansion of operators in the charter and fractional market.
Regionally, this booming sector replies to specific need of a busy lifestyle for local and visiting decisions makers who seek comfort, efficiency and flawless time management.
This reflects well in the fact that only five months after the opening in the UAE, Rakjet, a leading private jet management company, has registered noticeable results with a developing customers portfolio from both officials and executives.
“With a 60 years’ experience, our company has been launched in the UAE to address a specific need of comprehensive private aviation solutions, the UAE holding the second biggest fleet of business aircraft in the GCC countries,” said Hugh Courtenay, Founder of Rakjet.
“Indeed, the decision to fly using a private jet is made for several reasons including the comfort, privacy, safety and practicality of flying to smaller airports closer to meeting points,” agreed Zaher Deir, Managing Director, Rakjet.
“Rakjet offers Full Aircraft management contracts and distinctive following up of customers during the whole process from acquiring to operation the jet. Unlike internal flight departments with limited expertise, Rakjet offers a wide range of bespoke services; from assisting the owners with initial price negotiations, dealing with aircraft completion centers, regulatory authorities and the latest safety directives, to crew recruitments, licensing and training, setting up credit facilities, fuel suppliers, maintenance suppliers and handling agents,” Deir added.
“More and more private jet owners in the region are getting conscious of the necessity of hiring an independent aircraft management company with skilled engineers and experts instead of counting on companies with local capabilities. They are paying the price to purchase their private asset, and would want to keep their investment in good hands,” he said.
Budget wise, Rakjet proposes significant savings on aircraft insurance, fuel costs, maintenance supervision and repairs, crew accommodation, flight planning and over flight permits cost, crew accommodations, handling fees and parking locations.
“In Rakjet, our management contract is tailor made to fit owners with single and multiple private jets,” Deir said.
“The UAE plays crucial role as a regional hub to Mena. It is expected to see even growing business aviation traffic which will impact positively the related service market, most specifically the private aircrafts management,” he concluded.
