The burgeoning jet charter market in the Arab Gulf is not only attracting new foreign operators but is developing to provide new career paths for enterprising nationals.

Twinjet, headquartered at Luton Airport, is opening a base in Bahrain, where it will initially operate a Challenger 604, and is currently recruiting flight and cabin crews.

Keith McMann, ceo, says: "The Middle East is a key market for us and the region's continuing growth makes an on-the-ground presence from Twinjet a sensible and attractive proposition. We hope to further expand our business in the region in the near future."

Twinjet, established in 1982, plans to begin servicing the Middle East market from Bahrain in May. Other operators recruiting to meet expanding business include Abu Dhabi's Royal Jet whose recent appointment confirms that private aviation is now a career path for Arab nationals. It has promoted UAE national Capt. Mohamed Saif Al Mazroui to director of flight operations. "The appointment comes as part of the company's management restructuring, aimed at readying itself for a major anticipated increase in new business," says Royal Jet's vp operations, Capt. Andy Bray.

Capt. Al Mazroui worked for Amiri Flight for a total of 20 years, Gulf Air for six years and Oman Air for two years before returning to Amiri Flight. He has piloted aircraft including the Boeing 737, 767, Airbus A300-600 and 320. Al Mazroui says: "I have three key objectives - to ensure the safety of Royal Jet's extensive fleet of aircraft, to be in charge of real situation assessment centres when hiring pilots, and making sure pilots follow standard procedures whilst working to the highest standards possible." Another of his key objectives is the "Emiratisation of the flight crews" - providing career paths for nationals.