Royal Jet, the UAE-headquartered international luxury flight services company, is bringing into service three new aircraft to expand its Royal Med medevac fleet. Two Learjets, a 55 and a 35A, and an Avro, will broaden and deepen the specialist medical evacuation air ambulance division's services which have been centred on a Boeing jet.

"Our full-time aero medical team is equipped with leading-edge medical equipment capable of transporting patients in an intensive care unit configuration to worldwide destinations," says Ammar Balkar, senior vp sales and marketing.

Royal Jet is also considering setting up an office in Moscow to service expanding charter demand. HE Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, chairman, says Royal Jet is conducting initial research as part of a wide-ranging feasibility study. But he indicated that plans for the office are highly likely to go ahead.

"Russia is a very important market for Royal Jet as the demand for luxury aviation services is increasing dramatically," says Sheikh Hamdan. "The UAE is strategically placed to supply the Russian market as it is only four hours flying time from Moscow, and provides an excellent hub for multiple international destinations.

"Our presence in Russia will provide Royal Jet with a competitive edge in the aviation sector relative to other executive flight providers both regionally and internationally."

Tourism figures show that the number of Russian visitors to the UAE has been growing by about 16 per cent annually. "Royal Jet has been steadily increasing its presence in the Russian market, with participation in exhibitions such as the Moscow International Travel and Trade Exhibition and the Moscow Leisure Exhibition," says Balkar. "With some 36 billionaires and hundreds of millionaires in Russia the opportunity for Royal Jet to demonstrate its superior service to this market cannot be overlooked," he adds.

Royal Jet's existing fleet includes two G300s, a CL300, a Learjet 55 and four Boeing Business Jets, two fitted with a vip state room/bedroom. "The BBJ1s form the world's largest charter fleet of this long-range aircraft," says Balkar.

Royal Jet also operates an aircraft management and acquisition division and a vip FBO terminal which provides maintenance, ground handling, crew and catering services to executive flights operating in or through Abu Dhabi.

Royal Jet, launched in May 2003, is wholly owned by the UAE government and headquartered in Abu Dhabi. It is a founder member of the recently formed Middle East Business Aviation Association (MEBAA), set up to promote the interests of the regional industry.