According to independent aircraft charter brokers, International Air Charter (IAC), the air charter market in the Middle East is expanding rapidly. It says that the region’s growing economy has contributed to this upswing in usage of the services.

Chief executive Hugh Courtenay said: “The air charter industry in the Middle East has witnessed exceptional growth over the past couple of years. New operators in the market have fuelled awareness,

and subsequently demand, for charter air services.”

A recent report states that Dubai alone had 252 charter flights in the first week of January 2005. This is helped further by the new business projects and promotions being announced in the emirate and surrounding areas to stimulate commercial growth and tourist traffic. For example, during the current Dubai Shopping Festival season, the number of charter flights rose by 42 per cent.

“Dubai is being looked at as a serious growth market for charter operators around the world.

With three successful years under our belt, we are understandably excited about what the future holds,” said Eli Abdo, IAC’s director of business development. \r

The company reports that it has seen the most substantial growth among corporate travellers, particularly for short-leg destinations, such as intra-GCC sector. It specialises in the provision of executive and vip aircraft and has posted a record 30 per cent increase in revenue for the year ending December 31, 2004.

The company states that it has access to more than 50,000 business aircraft worldwide.