Prestige Jet believes that looks will count when it comes to attracting an increasing share of the booming Middle East private jet business. H.E. Ghaith Ben Hamil Al Ghaith says: "We are investing heavily in upgrading a number of our aircraft interiors in luxurious style, such as the Challenger 604 Versace style which will set them apart from the rest of our competitors. We also aim to grow our fleet and operate nine aircraft by 2009."

He was speaking after an official inauguration ceremony held at Bateen Air Base under the patronage of H.H. Gen Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, crown prince of Abu Dhabi and deputy supreme commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

Several new long term customer contracts have vindicated the decision to invest in an expanding fleet, H.E. Ghaith says. "A new Sovereign Citation was added to the fleet during the Dubai Air Show, bringing to five the number of aircraft we are operating out of Abu Dhabi international airport," he adds. "Earlier this year we purchased two new Grob Spn aircraft which will be delivered at the end of 2008 and early 2009, and we are also in negotiation for two other aircraft."

Faris Deeb, md, says: "We continue to see strong interest in charter services across several different customer segments from high net worth individuals to corporates. We have also upgraded our air ambulance service." (See Prestige Jet and FAI combine to boost global air services in the EBAN December 2007 issue).

H.E. Ghaith says: "Prestige Jet has an exceptional opportunity for significant business development in the coming years. With the small to mid size variety of our fleet we are well placed to meet demand from all customer segments, and that will stand us in good stead."