Gulf region operator GI Aviation has obtained its AOC from the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority. The certificate will enable the company to commence operations with its fleet of Pilatus PC-12 NGs.

“Our team has been working hard this past year to deliver a brand new entry level service for business aviation in this region, which has until now been dominated by larger business jets,” says MD of GI's parent company Global Ideas Hafsa Al Ulama. “We have received significant interest from a number of parties who are keen to fly with us. We are focused on the value proposition we offer our clients.”

The operator accepted its first eight-seat PC-12NG aircraft in Q2 2016. Featuring a BMW DesignWorks interior, it will be the first aircraft of this type to commercially operate in the GCC region. It is able to take off and land on the short runways that are typical of remote locations or islands, and can also access paved and unpaved airstrips.

GI expects to engage the aircraft on leisure, corporate or medevac charters flying on journeys of up to four hours with a range of 1,070 nm, and will take delivery of its second unit in January 2017.

Throughout the AOC application process, GI drew on the expertise of Finland's Hendell Aviation, the first commercial operator of the single engine turboprop in Europe. Says Hendell chairman Matti Auterinen: “We have been preparing the groundwork for the first PC-12NG commercial operation in the Middle East since Q3 2015, calling on our own experience that we have gained since 2013.

“The GCAA regulations and requirements closely followed EASA's but with key differences adapted for the UAE and the region. However, the overall compliance environment toward CAT SE-IMC is similar. The very professional framework established in the UAE by the authority is strict, but fair. We are very proud to have been able, for the second time, to participate in the ongoing develop-ment of what is a very exciting sector in business aviation.”

GI Aviation has carried out extensive market research to identify popular city pairs. “We are able to serve all the major business and capital cities within the GCC and surrounding region and will also serve popular resort destinations like Sir Bani Yas, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah,” explains general manager Marios Belidis. “We will provide an exemplary service to the existing charter market and to the executive first or business class traveller looking for an entry into this market.

“We are delighted to be pioneering a convenient and efficient way of flying for the region and will be taking bookings before the end of 2016.”