Abu Dhabi-headquartered Royal Jet is adding two more BBJs, taking the total in its growing fleet to seven. "We are bringing one BBJ size aircraft into service and expect to add another one in 2014," says Shane O'Hare, president and ceo.

"Our sixth BBJ will feature 22 seats and two generously proportioned lounges. A private office and stateroom with bathroom and shower gives the feel of a small boutique hotel making it extremely comfortable with lots of living space for families as well."

He adds: "From August we can also now add a Lineage 1000 to our fleet list having recently signed a new aircraft management deal with UAE-based business conglomerate, the Al Habtoor Group."

O'Hare says: "The Lineage 1000 is one of the latest and most technologically advanced business jets designed to seat up to 19 passengers. Royal Jet can offer guests the full range of aircraft capacity and prices from the Learjet 60 carrying six passengers to the BBJ."

Royal Jet has put back plans to expand its fleet from 12 to 20 aircraft but only to 2013 and it still aims to operate 50 aircraft by 2020-2021.

"What we found during the recession is that government missions, heads of state, and delegation travel has increased," O'Hare says. "In addition, we have emerging markets in Africa where there is very strong trade despite recession. This includes missions between China and many individual countries in Africa. The corporate sector is recovering but at a slow pace with modest growth expected this year. This business was growing at 15-25 per cent a year before the recession. We are now at more modest growth levels of six to seven per cent."

The group, jointly owned by Abu Dhabi Aviation Co and the emirate's government, operates a fleet that also includes the G-300, the G-IVSP and the Learjet 60. It serves corporations, govern-ments, jet-set individuals, royalty and heads of state globally.