UAE-based luxury aircraft service provider Royal Jet has acquired two Boeing Business Jets (BBJ) and a Challenger 300, bringing its total fleet to seven aircraft. The company now has the the largest BBJ1 fleet in the world. The announcement was made at this year's Dubai Air Show.

"Royal Jet has responded positively to the current rapid growth and high demand of its customers, which help us fulfil our commitment of being the region's premier provider for private air charter services catering to local, regional and international clientele," said His Excellency Sheikh Hamdan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, chairman, Royal Jet.

"The dedication we have placed in better serving our clientele has led to Royal Jet being the prime trend setter in the Middle East business aviation industry."

Royal Jet's aircraft are the business versions of the modern Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) 737-700, featuring an en-suite state room (double bedroom with a bathroom); eight vip seats in club-four setting and eight in lounge setting; eight business seats and 12 economy seats. The company says that the two aircraft are ideally suited for heads of state, royalty and vips on its trans-continental and long haul flights.

"Travelling by private air charters is fast becoming a necessity. Based on the high demand of the new BBJ with en-suite state room, the aircraft will provide our loyal clientele with the ultimate travel solution, especially for long haul flights," commented Ammar Balkar, vp, sales and marketing, Royal Jet.

"The reason why most of our customers choose to travel with our private air charters is for them to save the time that it would take to travel on a commercial airliner. A trip that might have taken days is accomplished in hours, thus resulting in more discretionary time on vacation, at work or at home.

"The BBJ is three times the size of the largest new long range corporate jets; it provides the freedom and ability to configure the interior to match the personal travel preferences of the customer. With the two new BBJ additions, Royal Jet currently boasts the largest BBJ1 fleet in the world," added Balkar.

The company's other acquisition, a Challenger 300, features six luxurious vip seats and a three-seat divan. According to Bombardier, the aeroplane's 8.72m long cabin, luxury interior and ability to takeoff and land in shorter runways make it well-suited to regional and multi-stop itineraries and provides greater access to smaller airports worldwide.

Said Mubarak Al Nahyan: "We have witnessed a considerable rise in demand for luxury air charter services. Adding the Challenger to our fleet highlights our continuous expansion plans for Royal Jet."

The firm recently linked with Bombardier's Skyjet International, joining the company's business jet charter network. Under the agreement, Royal Jet will provide Skyjet customers access to its fleet of aircraft.

The agreement, which brings the Skyjet Middle Eastern fleet to 16 aircraft, was signed by Royal Jet president and ceo Christopher Crum, and Judith Moreton, md of Bombarder Skyjet International, in a ceremony held at the Royal Jet chalet at the Dubai Air Show.

"Royal Jet is very pleased by the alliance and partnership established with Bombardier Skyjet International," said Mubarak Al Nahyan. "It is a strategic step that reflects our commitment to enhance our customer base."

Judith Moreton added: "The Middle East continues to be one of our most important emerging markets, with demand increasing at exponential rates. As one of the leading business jet charter providers, with exceptional safety and service standards, Royal Jet is an excellent addition to our growing network. Already, their Challenger 300 is generating tremendous interest among customers in the region."