Bahrain's Bexair is bringing a second XLS into service as it further grows its fleet to meet rapidly expanding demand. Key talks are taking place to acquire more jets.

Faisal Alam, head of development, says: "The XLS is the latest addition and joins our managed aircraft section and we plan further additions. In 2006 there was a period when we were adding one aircraft every seven weeks to our fleet. We think that 2007 will be very exciting also."

He adds: "Our aircraft are busy every day. In the Middle East it is predicted that corporate aircraft volumes will grow at an annual rate of 18 per cent which is phenomenal. This reflects strong demand for business travel in the region and underlines the importance of Bahrain as a growing hub for corporate aviation."

Bexair has grown particularly strongly in the important Saudi Arabian market. Alam points out that maintenance and support are big factors in owner decisions of what aircraft to buy, with cabin size and range also key. "We provide technical consultancy covering aspects including the choice of aircraft type, evaluating specifications, completions project management, pre-buy inspections and delivery acceptances."

Although Bexair's core market is the Middle East, it services clients outside the region. Favoured intercontinental routes include Europe, Russia, North Africa with some flights to North America, Japan and the Pacific Rim.

Bexair currently operates three Challenger 604s, one Challenger 601-3R, two Legacy 600s, a Citation XL and a Citation XLS. "The new XLS will join these aircraft which are all on Bexair's Bahrain AOC and are fully compliant with EASA JAR Ops 1," says Alam. "The fleet is a mix of new and preowned and this changes according to market demand, prevailing prices, availability and financial implications."

Bexair, launched in 2002, has developed and diversified through aircraft management, technical consultancy and the purchase of aircraft for clients as well as charter. Handlings at Bexair's Bahrain FBO are rising fast.

"Business prospects are very encouraging and the market is very active. We plan to grow with the market in charter sales and management areas along with provision of technical consultancy services," says Alam.

"Charter aircraft passengers are becoming increasingly aware of the benefits of flying with an AOC operator like Bexair. In the past many charter clients have flown with what we call 'gray market operators' who might be Part 91 and not provide any liability or insurance cover to passengers. However, there is a growing appreciation of the benefits of flying with a charter operator that obeys all the regulations and safety rules."

Bexair has taken deliveries of Global Express, Legacy 600, Citation and Challenger aircraft on behalf of clients. "Most of these have asked Bexair to manage the aircraft for them," says Alam. "We are managing aircraft for some of the most respected companies and business houses in the region and we meet exacting standards."