The Dubai-based Empire Aviation Group is bringing two more managed aircraft into service - a Legacy 600 and a GIII. "Both aircraft will be available for commercial charter," says ceo Paras Dhamecha.

The group, authorised sales representative for Hawker and Beechcraft, is working on business development with Luxury Air Travel by Dnata, the recently-launched division of Dnata Travel Services. Dnata will market and sell Empire's private jet charter services.

"To support this new deal, Luxury Air Travel by Dnata is including complementary limousine transfers with every Empire Aviation charter booked," says Dhamecha.

"This agreement is well timed and matches our rapidly developing luxury charter services with the operational reach and outstanding reputation of Dnata, as the regional market develops with greater demand for, and access to, private air travel."

He adds: "Operating successfully in the private charter market requires a very high level of customer service and care and attention to detail. Luxury charter goes well beyond the provision and management of a private jet and can encompass everything from transfers and hotels, to the personal selection of a vip menu with silver service, to onboard entertainment."

Empire was established in the UAE in 2007 as a one-stop shop for private aviation services, aircraft sales, management, operation and charter and ancillary services.

Dhamecha says that, according to Middle East Business Aviation Association (MEBAA), the Middle East charter market has grown at 10 to 15 per cent per annum in the last two to three years and is now estimated to be worth about $500 million annually.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) predicts the Middle East will be the fastest growing region for international traffic over the next few years, with increases expected to be around seven per cent annually, well ahead of the world average of 4.8 per cent.