Royal Jet has sealed another aircraft management deal to operate a luxury long-range Gulfstream GIVSP on behalf of a GCC national owner. “The GIVSP will have considerable appeal with its ability to accomplish flights of up to 5,000 nautical miles making it a time-saving option for travel from the Gulf to many European destinations, such as Abu Dhabi to London” said Shane O’Hare, President and CEO, Royal Jet.

“We believe Royal Jet will have significant impact in the aircraft management sector with further negotiations currently under way with individual owners. We intend to devote serious effort and resources to ensuring Royal Jet becomes the preferred operator for private owners.”

The GIVSP, which is powered by Rolls Royce engines, can carry up to nine passengers in a VIP configuration and is serviced by two pilots and two of Royal Jet’s highly trained cabin crew and can carry up to 18 standard suitcases.

Aircraft management is one of Royal Jet’s five product lines, the others being VIP charter, the Royal Med aeromedical evacuation service, Guest Flight Control Centre and FBO operations for executive aircraft landing in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates.

The GIVSP is the third major addition to the Royal Jet fleet in as many months. In August the company, which is the Middle East’s largest private jet operator with a 16% market share, took delivery of its fifth Boeing business jet.

Royal Jet is the largest operator of BBJs in the world. One month later the Abu Dhabi-headquartered operator launched the region’s most cost-effective Learjet service with a newly-acquired two twin-engined Learjet 35 offering inter-regional, point-to-point travel.

“Fleet expansion is paying dividends with demand for the BBJ in particular increasing long haul utilisation. From a previous average of four charters each quarter we are currently averaging four a month,” explained O’Hare. “We are now flying clients to a variety of long haul destinations such as the USA and Swaziland.”

Fleet expansion is part of Royal Jet’s ongoing development plan which is targeting 25% growth this year on its 2006 performance.