Dubai-based Empire Aviation Group (EAG) reports it has become the first operator in the Gulf Cooperation Council region to take delivery of the Hawker 4000.

Executive director Steve Hartley says: "The 4000 is the first business jet made from advanced, sophisticated composite materials and offers significantly lower operating costs to owners.

"The new, eight-seater Hawker was acquired from the manufacturer following the sale by EAG to an owner in the region and will be managed by EAG, as well as offered for charter." A further two 4000 aircraft sales have already been completed by EAG for delivery to the region in the coming year.

The new aircraft joins EAG's 13-strong fleet of business jets, 10 of which are available for charter. "Another two to three aircraft are expected to be added before the end of 2009, subject to delivery," says Hartley.

He adds: "The owner - and our charter clients - will benefit from this new technology and the cost/ performance that it delivers. Hawker Beechcraft Corporation is so confident about the new aircraft that it is guaranteeing the aircraft's maintenance, charging a fixed fee per flying hour to cover all aircraft maintenance and even tyre wear, over the first five years of operation."

Hartley says the 4000 can cruise at 514 mph at an altitude of 45,000 feet, with a range of 3,280 nautical miles.

The aircraft, Hartley adds, offers one of the quietest cabins in the super midsize sector and six feet of headroom for the full length of the cabin. Luxuries include finishes such as handcrafted galley cabinetry. "Due to the strength of the composites, the cabin pressurisation system can maintain a very low cabin pressure when cruising at the 45,000 feet ceiling, which reduces fatigue and dehydration for passengers and crew."