Empire Aviation Group, a Dubai-based private aviation specialist providing aircraft management services, aircraft sales and charter and CAMO services, has appointed Matthieu Chavrot as its global director of aircraft sales and acquisitions. Empire manages one of the largest mixed fleets of business jets in the Middle East and continues to develop its portfolio of services. Chavrot will focus on sales and acquisitions as global demand for business jets increases, driven by the current global travel restrictions and the growing appreciation of the privacy, freedom and controlled environment offered by private aviation.

According to the operator, the global private aviation market has been very active over the last 18 months, as the pandemic helped increase the recognition of the benefits of private aviation, creating new and sustainable opportunities in sales and acquisitions. The current challenge is the diminishing inventory of high quality pre-owned aircraft for buyers looking for a fast acquisition. Empire Aviation is aiming to build the same professional reputation in aircraft sales as it has successfully achieved in aircraft management.

Chavrot comments: “There are now more people able to afford to buy business jets and prepared to invest to reap the benefits of convenience, privacy and flexibility. They are also seeking the additional benefits of low touchpoints and the health and safety advantages of travelling in small, private groups. These buyers need fast and efficient professional support in what can be complex transactions for high value assets. Buyers may also be interested in our management services and this capability means we can also provide impartial advice about the ongoing operational costs, before committing, in a consultative approach to sales and acquisitions. For buyers, this means looking closely at the client's mission types, aircraft age preference and budget.”

Empire completes the sale or acquisition of several business jets each year and has recently completed two sales in India, one on behalf of an existing owner, while the other was a sale-only transaction for a new client. Of the company's managed fleet, around half the business jets have been acquired on behalf of the owners by the Empire team.

Founder and MD Paras P. Dhamecha adds: “Private aviation is a people business, and we are delighted to welcome Matthieu to the team. His experience and connections will be invaluable as we continue to develop our sales and acquisition capabilities to support our managed aircraft owners, who also buy and sell aircraft, as well as for the broader global market. Our aim is to ensure the same high quality professional approach that has proved so successful in aircraft management and charter, as trusted advisors and partners to our clients.”