Dubai-based Empire Aviation Group has been named Business Aircraft Operator of the Year at the Aviation Business Middle East Awards 2020, presented on 16 December. Since launching in Dubai in 2007, Empire has extended operations around the world and operates one of the largest managed fleets of private jets in the region. The award goes each year to the company that has consistently delivered world class aircraft management services to clients in the Middle East. The awards are organised and hosted by Aviation Business Middle East magazine, published by ITP.

Paras Dhamecha, founder and managing director of Empire Aviation Group, says: “Everyone at Empire Aviation is delighted to be recognised for our commitment to aircraft owners and customers through a very challenging year, in which private aviation proved its unique value. Despite the pandemic, we have managed to ensure continuity of flight operations within the restrictions affecting aviation and services to our owners in protecting their aircraft assets while looking after their crew. The team also managed to support a range of repatriation missions to get people home safely. We play a strong team game in a challenging industry, and this award is a very positive note on which to end the year and start 2021.”

Presenting the award, ITP commented: “This sector in particular has done a terrific job in adapting to new air travel trends in recent months, so the final decision was a very close one. Empire Aviation Group was one of the first ever business jet operators in the Middle East and boasts a strong pedigree. Securing new footholds in north Africa, the company has positioned itself to explore fresh markets when borders reopen fully. Empire played a key role in repatriation efforts between the UAE and India at the height of the pandemic, connecting people where airlines were unable to. No doubt Empire will help to reaffirm the Middle East as a global capital for business aviation in the coming months.”

The Empire team provides aircraft management, flight operations and charter, as well as aircraft sales and CAMO. The company manages private jets on behalf of owners, and Empire's aircraft management approach means that each aircraft owner has a unique business model and services. Several of the managed private jets on the fleet are available to the charter market. Empire Aviation is also a charter broker and can arrange aircraft charter anywhere in the world for business or leisure.