Urgent need for dedicated airports for private jets in the Gulf; Al Maktoum International Airport tops list for excellent lounge facilities.
DUBAI, UAE – Nice is the most popular destination for UAE private jets (PJ) users, with five trips per year, followed by Paris in second place with four trips and London in third place with two trips.
These findings were revealed by Private Jet Charter (PJC), one of the world’s largest independent private jet charter consultants. The company, which has a sizable market share in Europe and the Middle East, says that Nice is the most popular destination due to the high number of trips in the summer months as many PJ users like to escape the heat of the Gulf for Europe.
“These high net worth individuals tend to travel before Ramadan, return home for Ramadan and then travel again after Ramadan. Other popular Mediterranean destinations are Malaga and Olbia in Sardinia,” says Ross Kelly, Managing Director for Middle East, PJC.
Kelly adds: “Paris and London came second and third respectively as favourite destinations, with most PJ users going to Paris for shopping and London for business. Geneva also gets very popular in the winter for ski holidays.”
UAE PJ users prefer a private charter to commercial flights as they appreciate the luxury and the hassle free environment that comes with a private charter.
Kelly adds: “The UAE private jet market is poised for further growth as more PJ users are using private flights as a connection to fly on scheduled commercial airlines to destinations they don’t have routes for.”
He says: “As the industry grows, there will be a need for specialised private jet airports to ensure that the superior service granted to travellers on board is maintained after the flight all the way through departure or prior to flying on the jet. There is also a need for these exclusive airports for more effective servicing of private jets on landing and taking off at different times of the day.”
Kelly adds: “DWC Al Maktoum International Airport is now rated as one of the finest airports in the region where PJs can land. The advantages include less slot restrictions and no ramp congestion.”
“This should come as good news to our Gulf travellers as the landing is quick, and Dubai World Central is close to Dubai Marina, The Palm and Sheikh Zayed Road and other dynamic areas that are popular among Gulf tourists when they visit Dubai. DWC Al Maktoum International Airport also offers excellent lounge facilities which are appreciated by PJ users who expect the same levels of service on ground as in air,” adds Kelly. “We are glad to add Dubai’s second international airport to our network of airports used by our large fleet of private jets.”
PJC has a network of offices in the UK, Nice and significant presence in the Middle East, through a busy base in Dubai and strong presence in Jeddah in Saudi Arabia. The organisation also has offices in the key charter hubs of Moscow and Florida.
Offering access to hundreds of airports with a wide variety of aircraft to choose from, PJC is an ISO 9002 – certified company with 24 years of leadership in the aviation field.
Photo caption: Ross Kelly, Managing Director for Middle East, PJC.
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.
She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
