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Royal Jet enters eighth year on strong growth trajectory
On the week it celebrated its seventh anniversary, Royal Jet - the Abu Dhabi-based international luxury flight services company, chaired by His Excellency Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, has announced several new initiatives designed to fuel its growth trajectory.

Central among these is the ‘100 Club’, a new corporate relationship programme which allows all customers – from individuals to corporates - to profit from an attractive range of benefits, including increased discounts, depending on the type of aircraft usage and the number of hours flown.

“I am delighted to report that Royal Jet remains on an upward growth path, both in terms of its fleet size and revenue, while all the time remaining committed to introducing new initiatives which add value to our stakeholders,” said Royal Jet's President and CEO, Shane O'Hare. “In the ‘100 Club’ programme we have taken cost-effectiveness and efficiency to another level.”

O’Hare explained that if one factors in all the possible cost implications for a regional business trip for a group of senior executives – a private jet can be the most cost effective way to travel.

“To join, customers need only commit to a minimum“Depending on the number of hours flown in a year, ‘100 Club’ members’ discount increases proportionally up to a maximum of nine percent. Unlike other private jet cards, which may require a full year’s payment for usage in advance, invoices for '100 Club' members are sent out only upon confirmation of each booking made.” of 20 hours flying time during a year,” he said.

O’Hare also revealed that ‘100 Club’ members can call on 24/7 assistance and have access to the entire Royal Jet fleet, including Learjet 60, Gulfstream and Boeing Business Jets (BBJ).

“This month we will also be taking delivery of our sixth Boeing Business Jet, the A6-DFR, reinforcing our position as the largest operator in the world of this type of aircraft. This new aircraft, with 22 seats, two generously proportioned lounges, a private office and stateroom with bathroom and shower, gives the feel of a small boutique hotel making it extremely comfortable with lots of living space for families too. With the addition of the A6-DFR, we can now offer our customers a ‘home away from home’,” he continued.

“We can also now add a Lineage 1000 to the list from August, having recently signed a new aircraft management deal with UAE-based business conglomerate, the Al Habtoor Group,” he said.

“The Lineage 1000 is one of the latest and most technologically advanced business jets designed to seat up to 19 passengers. This deal is another feather in our cap and means Royal Jet can offer guests the full range of aircraft capacity and prices right through from the Lear Jet 60 carrying six passengers to ultra luxurious Boeing Business Jet.”

The fleet is also soon to be boosted further by the return of another of Royal Jet’s BBJs, - A6-RJY - following a complete refurbishment whereby it is set to become the most technologically advanced and most luxurious executive jet in the world. O’Hare stated that the state-of-the-art jet will offer unparalleled levels of comfort, luxury, privacy and connectivity in the sky.

“We have invested a considerable amount of money in this refurbishment, despite the difficult market conditions of the past year, once again reaffirming our commitment to providing our guests with the most luxurious in-flight experience possible,” O’Hare commented.

“In doing so, Royal Jet is setting the global benchmark for in-flight luxury by combining cutting-edge technology with unmatched opulence,” he added. “Our aircraft now provides expansive VIP accommodation across three distinct connecting lifestyle areas: a majlis style VIP lounge, a meeting and dining area, and a rest and relaxation zone.”

Already a global leader, Royal Jet is also expanding its presence in the UK and European markets, having just signed an agreement with Maximus Air Cargo - the UAE’s largest dedicated cargo aircraft operator. A Royal Jet representative office at Maximus’ office facilities located at the London Stansted Airport in the UK is now open.

The agreement is in line with the efforts of Abu Dhabi Aviation (ADA) Group, a principal shareholder of Maximus Air Cargo and a joint shareholder of Royal Jet, to combine the offices of three of the UAE’s leading aviation service providers under one roof – Maximus Air Cargo, Royal Jet and eventually Abu Dhabi Aviation Company, the largest commercial helicopter and fixed wing aircraft operator in the Middle East.

This move will effectively create a one-stop-shop environment which will provide easy and immediate access to almost all types of aircraft to suit customers’ every need and service requirement within the European markets.

Capping its celebrations of seven years of successful business operations, Royal Jet has, for the third time in succession, been bestowed by the World Travel Awards with the Middle East’s Leading Private Jet Charter operator award.

“Royal Jet remains committed to raising the bar for the global private jet industry in terms of security, safety and exceptional service standards so as to ensure continued profitability and growth,” O’Hare concluded. Tatiana Rokou - Thursday, May 06, 2010