Dubai-based Empire Aviation Group (EAG) has added a Challenger 605 to its fleet in Africa, where it now manages six business jets. The latest Challenger will be based in Lagos, Nigeria, and will be the first of EAG's managed aircraft in Africa to be offered to the charter market.

The aircraft was acquired for a private owner by EAG, and it was responsible for the entire process including registration and induction. The 605 is able to accommodate 11 passengers and has intercontinental range of 4,000 nm.

Executive director Steve Hartley says: “This is a good time for existing aircraft owners to upgrade and for first time owners to enter the market, with business jet prices starting to edge higher as inventories begin to dry up.

“Africa is a strong emerging business jet market and we were delighted to work with this new customer to source the Challenger 605 with the help of our sales office in the US, and to manage the entire sourcing process.

“The aircraft will help meet the needs of the growing charter market in Africa, and offers a very good balance of capacity, range and overall value.”

Hartley says that the charter market in Nigeria values 'direct to London' capability and he believes that the large cabin comfort will suit the market. EAG's current managed fleet in Africa consists of two Falcon 900EXs, a Hawker 4000 and 900XP, a Challenger 300, the new 605, while a Global XRS is expected shortly.

“We have a team of around 30 people in Africa and so we can offer a fully managed service to owners,” he adds. “We are well established in Nigeria and it is an increasingly important focus of our business. Our aim now is to grow the business. We may consider converting some of our other aircraft to A6 registry because it will allow us to diversify the fleet and charter on the Dubai certificate.”