Abu Dhabi-based operator Royal Jet has selected Sabena technics to carry out a full upgrade for one if its six-strong fleet of Boeing BBJs.

"We are entering our ninth year of operations on a record of strong growth," says Shane O'Hare, Royal Jet president and ceo. "Our commitment is to provide guests with the most luxurious in-flight experience possible and so it is important that our jet interiors and systems are up-to-date and of the highest quality.

"This refurbishment project is part of Royal Jet's development strategy in which we have invested heavily to ensure that we continue to offer the very best in cutting- edge technology and luxury in the private jet travel market."

Ahmed Al Mamari, the company's chief operations/ technical officer, says: "The BBJ is the mainstay of our fleet. The project will last five months and we are leasing a replacement aircraft to ensure that customer service is maintained. I am confident that Sabena technics will be able to minimise downtime through its Part 21G certification and its extensive maintenance, repair and overhaul workforce."

The aircraft will undergo an in-depth cabin refurbishment, livery painting, maintenance and a systems upgrade including state-of-the-art entertainment, satcom, wifi and global mobile systems.