Abu Dhabi-based Al Yasi Group announces today, the launch of Prestige Jet, a private jet aviation company, operating out of Abu Dhabi and Dubai International Airports.
Managing Director of Prestige Jet, Faris Deeb says the new company, which will provide a VIP executive jet service, has been formed to meet the growing demand across the Middle East for among others VIP and executive business charter travel.
“More and more people in the Middle East are recognizing the advantages afforded by executive charter flights, and that this mode of transport is not just the exclusive domain of high net worth individuals,” says Deeb. “In today's increasingly global environment, businessmen and often government leaders are demanding faster and more reliable modes of transport and many are using private charter jets to fulfil these needs. Prestige Jet has been formed to meet those growing needs.”
Deeb adds that the Middle East region and the UAE in particular continues to enjoy a high level of economic growth, creating strong demand for infrequent one-off charter trips.
“Large corporations are increasingly recognizing the commercial advantages private jet travel brings – not the least of which is being free to fly when you want, where you want, without delays or connection hassles,” he said.
Deeb says contrary to popular belief the cost of chartering a business jet can be relatively cheap, if a trip is well planned.
“Prestige Jet currently has two leased aircraft in its fleet, a 10 seat Bombardier Challenger 604 which can fly non-stop to destinations as far afield as London, Rome, Geneva, Nice or Bangkok, while the 8 seat Raytheon Hawker 800XP is suitable for flights throughout the Arab world as far as Cairo. We can help plan every detail of a trip – including hotels and transfers in order to optimize the client’s time at his destination, thereby increasing productivity and efficiency.”
The Challenger 604 and Hawker 800XP form part of a three phase fleet development programme for Prestige Jet.
“Phase II two will see us double the fleet when we acquire another Challenger 604 and Hawker 800XP, while phase phase three will see the acquisition of another two aircraft due for delivery next year. This deal is being finalized at the present time,” he says.
Setting up a private air charter company is not just about the hardware and Deeb stresses the importance placed on safety, quality, punctuality.
“Managing a fleet of aircraft means getting the operational systems right, to meet the stringent safety and operational requirements of the local and international aviation authorities. But in the private air travel market, these are ‘givens’ and the real difference lies in the quality of service, which must be five star from end to end.”
When traveling with Prestige Jet, the VIP treatment begins at the check in lounge at the VIP terminal, where an immediate, polite examination of the passport precedes the short limousine drive to the aircraft, and the welcome from a hand-picked onboard team. The process is mirrored at the destination.
“Getting the product, service and delivery right is absolutely critical in the luxury private air travel market,” says Deeb. “Clients expect a very high standard of aircraft, comfort and convenience but the quality of hospitality, the standards of care and service, also make a significant difference to discerning clients who have high expectations. As a consequence Prestige Jet has invested heavily in this area.
“Like all luxury products and services, success lies in paying attention to the smallest service details, and the people who deliver the service,’ he adds. “So, when we plan our in-flight services – this can be based on anything the client requests – we look for the best and most experienced cabin crew, who understand the needs of our clients and deliver a service that is unrivalled.”
Prestige Jet also has plans to become an integrated private jet solutions provider in a number of key areas including brokerage, charters and aircraft management.
Dima Qubaa, Sales Manager for Prestige Jet adds that the business jet market is growing in the Arab World.
“More and more companies and individuals are realizing the efficiency and productivity benefits of private jet aviation Private travel is no longer a luxury, but a necessity,” she said. “The flexibility and privacy of private jet charter has seen demand grow in the Region. The reason for this boom in the industry is attributed much of that increase to the growth of major international events in the area, and the rise of Abu Dhabi and other Arab Countries as hubs of business and foreign investments.
“Also there is growing demand from frequent flyers for greater security, reduce travel time, confidentiality and privacy, overcoming the challenges of transfer connectivity, and transit times at international airports, are driving double digit market growth in the region.
“It is well noted a new generation of private businessmen now emerging who are more focused flexibility in travel and cost effectiveness,” she concludes. “We have seen changes in the market trends in Abu Dhabi and the trend towards smaller business aircraft–in particular heavy business jets– as Prestige Jets operates - are starting to represent a growing market share instead of the wide bodies.”
