Business jet numbers to soar 88pc in Mena

The number of business jets in the region could grow from current 395 to 745 by 2023, marking an increase of 88.6 per cent, according to Market Forecast 2014- 2033 report published by the Bombardier Business Aircraft.

“This forecast is in line with estimates of industry experts, as with the growth of the industry, there is a strong need for more private jets,” said Ross Kelly, managing director for Middle East, Private Jet Charter (PJC), one of the world's largest independent private jet charter brokers.

As the business report notes, Saudi Arabia, UAE and Turkey took delivery of the largest number of business jet in the Middle East, accounting for more than 70 per cent of the industry’s overall fleet in the region. Saudi Arabia alone took a lion’s share 26 per cent.

“To get away from hot summer in the Middle East, Gulf based private jet users this summer picked Nice, London and Paris as preferred destinations,” added Kelly. “The trend also shows that in Europe travellers’ favourite destinations were Ibiza, Marbella and Pisa for long weekend breaks.”

PJC said that Middle East private jet users have begun to understand the value of hiring a private jet, in terms of less time spent at the airport, and better reliability. The company added that even families from the GCC region who wish to make several stops in Europe, for example, can book a flight that would cost them almost the same as business class tickets for the whole family.

“We are delighted to see more and more private jet users realise the cost effectiveness of using private jets. For example, through PJC, it is now possible to book a one-way flight, without having to pay the cost of the return leg, or even rent an empty flight on its way to a home destination,” said Kelly.

The company monitors movements of hundreds of private jets and allows users to select the first available one. “This saves costs for the owner of the jet as well, because when his flight is already going back empty, why not rent it to another user who could pay part of the trip cost. This innovative concept, internationally referred to as ‘Empty Legs’, allows passengers to make use of private jet flights that would have returned empty to the base or to another global location,” added Kelly.

“We always strive to maintain the highest standards in private jet industry. Our world-class approach assures luxury, convenience and safety; we are delighted to say that now we are adding cost-effectiveness to our strengths through ‘empty leg’ flights,” concluded Kelly.

PJC also revealed that Nice was the most popular destination for Gulf private jets users in the first half of 2015, with a total of 328 trips, followed by London with 290 trips and Paris with 260 trips.

The company, which has a sizable market share in Europe and the Middle East, said that the Gulf business aviation industry remained relatively upbeat, as summer period triggered high demand from Gulf businessmen and tourists. It highlighted that movement was particular hectic before and after Ramadan.