DUBAI 09: Empire to launch new services and take region's top biz-av spot

Empire Aviation Group will also announce plans for a new ‘Lifestyle@Empire’ luxury travel division which will complement the private charter operation, and development of its remote/third party aircraft management operations, which includes the Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC) in Abu Dhabi, for whom EAG supplied and operates air taxi services between the UAE and major TDIC destinations in the emirate.

Empire already has a mixed fleet of 15 aircraft under management and will announce at least another five aircraft coming to the managed fleet before the year end, based on owners bringing their aircraft under the company’s management.

EAG is a GCC regional distributor for Hawker Beechcraft, with exclusivity in some countries, including the UAE, and the company will be announcing the sale of two further Hawker 4000s. EAG became the first operator in the region to take delivery of a H4000 in August 2009).

Empire's first Hawker 4000 - two more will be announced at the show

Lifestyle@Empire is an extension to the company’s luxury charter operations and will offer unique, specialised luxury travel packages to a world of exotic destinations and experiences. The first packages will focus on high profile global sporting and themed events but with a luxury twist, and offer all-inclusive benefits including travel and unique access to these occasions.

Mr. Paras Dhamecha, joint executive director of Empire Aviation Group, said “We have had a fantastic start-up period despite challenging global and regional market conditions. The asset management model we adopted from the beginning has proved to be effective and robust and, with a strong aircraft sales pipeline and active interest in our management and charter operations, we are very confident about the prospects for the company as we come to the Dubai Airshow.

Steve Hartley, joint executive director said: “There has been an unprecedented buying opportunity in the last 12 months for anyone looking for a business jet. For EAG, 2009 will be an outstanding year for our aircraft sales division, with a full order book for delivery this year. These are the lowest prices we are ever likely to see for business jets and with aviation fuel prices at less than half their peak levels in 2008, and charter prices adjusted accordingly, private aviation continues to hold its own. As a result, we expect 2009 to be the company’s best year since we began operations.”

EAG was established in July 2007 to meet the rapidly increasing regional demand for private aviation and is a one-stop shop, focusing on private aircraft sales, management and charter, as well as ancillary services including finance and insurance. The company operates out of Dubai International Airport.