The Dubai-based Empire Aviation Group (EAG) is an example of a Middle East headquartered operator that has identified and targeted a growing international demand for aircraft management. It has added a new Global Express XRS, a Legacy 600 and a Hawker 900XP to its managed fleet.

Paras Dhamecha, executive director, says EAG also managed the delivery of the Global Express on behalf of a private owner.

He adds: "These three additional aircraft bring the total fleet size to 23 - one of the largest mixed fleets of executive jets in the region. The company is focusing on developing its aircraft management operation with a view to extending this service to aircraft and owners based beyond the UAE."

He adds: "We launched the company in 2007 with just two aircraft and we expect our fleet to grow to 25 by the end of 2010. Our business model is working well and we now plan to extend our aircraft management services so that our owners have a choice of where to base their asset and we can develop our business internationally." The current managed fleet is based in Dubai.

"The Legacy 600 and Hawker 900XP will further complement our diverse fleet," Dhamecha says. "The company takes a one-stop-shop approach to private aviation which means it can help a buyer or an owner search, acquire, finance, manage, operate and charter a business jet. Our business and operations have grown substantially year on year even through the global economic crisis. It has been a great time for owners to acquire a business jet although depressed valuations have been starting to recover in recent months. Finance has become easier although its provision is accompanied by more stringent due diligence applied by lenders."