Dubai's Al Habtoor Group reports great interest in a Lineage 1000 which it has brought into service following an acquisition and management contract agreed with Royal Jet more than two years ago (EBAN July 2008).

Maan Halabi, executive director, says: "We chose the Lineage 1000 because it delivers new standards of comfort and excellence in an unparalleled cabin. This is a very exciting time for the Al Habtoor Group, and we are eager to fly with this wonderful aircraft."

The aircraft is configured with a bedroom offering amenities including a queen-size bed and a stand-up shower, three lavatories, conference tables, 23-inch LCD monitors, and a refrigerator and chiller.

Halabi adds: "The ample aft baggage compartment is pressurised and accessible during flight. Pilots benefit from an electronic fly-by- wire flight control system and Honeywell's Primus Epic avionics, complemented by an electronic flight bag and other cutting-edge technologies, resulting in a lower workload and increased safety."

Nizar Jazzar, Royal Jet's vp aircraft project engineering and business development, says: "A highly-experienced crew is now operating the Lineage 1000 from our Abu Dhabi FBO in the vip terminal. We will also be managing the ongoing maintenance of our latest fleet addition. The Lineage 1000 is achieving growing success in the Middle East region."

Shane O'Hare, Royal Jet president and ceo says: "Clients have been impressed by the range and comfort offered by the Lineage 1000 and we are able to provide guests with a new dimension in luxury."

O'Hare says the Lineage 1000 comfortably carries up to 19 passengers in five distinct "privacy zones" with the cabin interior designed in partnership with the UK's Priestmangoode.

However, much of the demand may come from smaller groups. Royal Jet points out that there is a range of 4,400nm with eight passengers and 4,500nm with four passengers enabling the aircraft to fly non- stop from Dubai to destinations including London, Johannesburg, Tokyo and Jakarta.

The Al Habtoor Group, created in 1970 by its chairman Khalaf Al Habtoor, has considerably expanded its international business. Although it is best known for construction, it is globally recognised in the hotel, automotive, real estate, education, insurance and publishing sectors, employing more than 40,000.