Two new Abu Dhabi-based charter operators - Saraya Aviation and International Business Centre (IBC) - are targeting the longer haul luxury sector.

IBC is to take delivery of the G200 while Saraya Aviation has ordered three G450s to provide long-range flights for its new charter flight operation. "They will transport private individuals and groups, corporate executives and govern-ment officials around the world," says Ali Kolaghassi, vice-chairman and ceo of Saraya Holdings. "We plan to launch in 2008 with other aircraft that will be available for charter."

Although based in Abu Dhabi, Saraya Aviation has branch offices in Dubai, Amman and Riyadh and is a company within the umbrella of Saraya Holdings, a real estate development and asset management company investing in travel and tourism. "The G450s complement our strategy of maintaining a presence beyond the Middle East, North Africa region by offering leisure destinations and air charter services to clients worldwide," said Kolaghassi. Attractions, he says, include the 4,350 nm non-stop range and capability of speeds of up to 0.88 Mach.

"From Amman, the G450 can fly nonstop to London, Moscow, Beijing, Bangkok or Johannesburg and it has a dispatch reliability rate of 99.76 percent." He notes the G450 features PlaneView advanced flight deck and the Gulfstream Enhanced Vision System as standard. "Typically outfitted for eight passengers, the G450 will provide Saraya clients with a comfortable cabin that serves equally well as an airborne office for business travellers or a private retreat for leisure travellers." International Business Center will use the G200 to provide charter flights for dignitaries, corporate executives, government officials and wealthy individuals. It will begin operations in 2009 according to Ahmed Hassan Ahmed Al Housani, gm.