Aircraft management deal adds new dimension to luxurious VIP travel

Abu Dhabi, 14 September, 2010: Royal Jet the Abu Dhabi-based international luxury flight services company chaired by His Excellency Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan - has added an Embraer Lineage 1000 aircraft owned by the Al Habtoor group, the UAE-based business conglomerate, to its fast-growing fleet.

The aircraft - part of an Aircraft Management Agreement signed in April this year - which has already entered service and taken to the skies has reinforced Royal Jet's offering of unparalleled levels of comfort and luxury while providing further flexibility in terms of capacity.

Under the terms of the Agreement, apart from managing the aircraft's day-to-day operations, Royal Jet itself carried out due diligence on its purchase, prepared the technical specifications and conducted the associated financial, commercial and technical reviews. Through its project management and acquisition team, Royal Jet provides a tailored, comprehensive service from initial consultancy through to acquisition, management and sale of an aircraft - a 'one-stop' service which reduces overall costs for clients, without compromising on quality or safety.

Present as the new Al Habtoor Lineage arrived in Abu Dhabi, Mohammed Al Habtoor, Chief Executive of the Al Habtoor Group spoke about the long standing relationship and their high regard for Royal Jet as an important partner. "In 2008, Royal Jet acted as consultants on the purchase of our aircraft and negotiated the deal with us. Throughout the build, Royal Jet project management team led by Mr. Nizar Jazzar - Vice President Aircraft Project Engineering and Business Development have also supervised production and consulted with the manufacturer, interior design and engineering teams. We are delighted that our new aircraft has arrived and we look forward to our continued relationship with Royal Jet as they manage the aircraft on our behalf." 

The Lineage 1000 is one of the world's most technologically advanced business jets and is Embraer's largest and most exclusive executive jet, capable of carrying 19 passengers in complete comfort and luxury non-stop between Abu Dhabi and London or Singapore.  

""In bringing together two of the most established UAE companies - the Al Habtoor Group and Royal Jet, we are now able to offer our guests a new dimension in luxury. The introduction of this aircraft into Royal Jet's fleet, enables us to offer a full range of aircraft capacity and prices right through from our LearJet 60 with six passengers, to our versatile Gulfstream aircraft, up to the largest fleet of Boeing Business Jets in the world capable of carrying up to 50," said Shane O'Hare, President & CEO of Royal Jet.

"This aircraft not only enables us to manage the needs of our guests around the right capacity and price points for their requirements, but also provides the perfect platform for the delivery of the safety, security, luxury and warmth that have become the hallmark of Royal Jet's award-winning standards of service."

The aircraft is uniquely configured to carry up to 19 passengers across five separate zones, each offering unparalleled levels of comfort and includes a private stateroom with VIP bathroom and shower.

Equipped with the latest in aviation technology, the aircraft has an electronic fly-by-wire flight control system and Honeywell's Primus EpicTM avionics, which is further complemented by a Class 2 Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) and other cutting-edge technologies for lower workload and increased safety.

-Ends-

About Al Habtoor:
The Al Habtoor Group has grown with the UAE, and while best known for construction, it is globally recognized through its involvement in the hospitality, automotive, real estate, education, insurance and publishing sectors.

One of the UAE's most respected and successful businesses, the Al Habtoor Group today operates in the UAE and international markets. The highly qualified, experienced and professional multi-national team now exceeds 40,000 - and this is expected to continue to grow in line with planned expansion.

The Group's Construction division, Al Habtoor Engineering Enterprises (now part of the Al Habtoor Leighton Group), has a rich portfolio, having created some of the world's most stunning landmarks. These include the icon of Dubai, the Burj Al Arab and the multibillion-dollar construction of the new Terminal 3 Concourse 2 project at Dubai International Airport.

Habtoor Hotels owns and operates six top class hotels, including two new five star properties, the Habtoor Grand Resort & Spa in Dubai and the Habtoor Grand Convention Centre & Spa, Beirut.

Al Habtoor Motors' brand portfolio includes Mitsubishi, with a wide choice of sedans, 4x4's and commercial vehicles, Temsa buses and premium marques such as Bentley, Aston Martin and Bugatti. Al Habtoor Motors imports more than 60,000 vehicles from Japan every year. It has a well-established network of seven showrooms, eight service centres and twelve parts centres that effectively cover the entire UAE.

Just as the name of the UAE has become synonymous with trade and enterprise all over the world, the name of the Al Habtoor Group has become synonymous with dynamic growth, evidenced by its commitment to develop and grow businesses in multiple sectors.

About Royal Jet:
Royal Jet, the international luxury flight services company, headquartered in Abu Dhabi, is jointly owned by Abu Dhabi Aviation and the "Presidential Flight Authority" the royal flight service, and is chaired by His Excellency Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, who serves as a Minister in the UAE Federal Cabinet.

Royal Jet's success lies in its exceptional bespoke client services and dedication to delivering the ultimate in safety, efficiency and luxury. The product personalisation which defines Royal Jet is reflected in its 'Your Flight' brand philosophy - ensuring clients receive meticulous, individual attention throughout the entire Royal Jet experience.

Royal Jet's business expansion plans have been created to find the best solutions to address the boom in the aviation industry. Its growing fleet of jets includes six Boeing Business Jets, which makes Royal Jet the world's largest single BBJ operator; two mid-range Gulfstream 300s, a long-range Gulfstream IVSP and a Learjet 60.

Royal Jet's product offering spans several operations including; luxury air charter services: Royal Jet Charter Brokerage, which provides travel solutions through sourcing the appropriate aircraft for charter through a network of carefully audited operators; Royal Jet Medical Evacuation Service with the latest hi-tech equipment and highly-skilled, dedicated medical professionals;  aircraft management and acquisition consultancy aimed at delivering optimum returns, and its award-winning Fixed Base Operations (FBO) /VIP terminal, at Abu Dhabi International Airport.

Flexibility, responsiveness, discretion and customisation symbolize Royal Jet's promise of delivering and excelling, the demands of today's sophisticated business aviation traveller. In-flight catering ensures every individual taste is catered to with tailored- made menus and an attentive, yet unobtrusive on-board service.

Royal Jet is a founder member of the Middle East Business Aviation Association (MEBAA), promoting the interests of the regional business aviation industry and a member of the NBAA, AVITAT, MedLink (a service of MedAir Inc.) and the Flight Safety Foundation.  

For more information, please visit: www.habtoor.com or contact:
Noura Badawi,
Al Habtoor Group,
E-mail - noura@habtoor.com
Tel: 009714 3941444

For more information please visit: www.royaljetgroup.com or contact: 
Sarah Walker-Kerr,
Royal Jet,
Email: swalker@royaljetgroup.com
Tel.: 00971 2 505 1648

© Press Release 2010