The Abu-Dhabi based company – chaired by His Excellency Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan – has been a pioneer in its field and a founding member of the Middle East Business Aviation Association (MEBAA), a body set up to provide effective communication between Middle East business aviation operators and suppliers, and governments of the region, business leaders and the media, on matters concerning and affecting business aviation.
Set up in May 2003 with 57 employees, one Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) and two Gulfstreams, Royal Jet took off with the world of private aviation watching to see how this fledgling operator would grow. 10 years later, the company has 331 staff from 57 nationalities and a fleet of nine owned aircraft including the world’s largest BBJ fleet. Royal Jet is jointly owned by the Presidential Flight Authority and Abu Dhabi Aviation.
“Over the last 10 years Royal Jet has been a beacon to enhance safety, security, efficiency and acceptance of business aviation in the region through communication and ongoing dialogue,” said Shane O’Hare, President & CEO, Royal Jet. “In 2012 alone, our FBO handled 1,591 aircraft while our cockpit and cabin crew worked a combined 13,910 days last year. We flew an average 1,186 average block hours for our BBJ fleet and had an overall 91% On Time Performance.
“We flew 333 patients last year as part of our Medevac missions and are increasingly being referred to as the Medevac operator of choice for emergency situations. We topped 2012 flying to 313 airports through 2,818 flights across 148 countries. Our expertise in the luxury flight and travel segment is unparalleled in the region drawing our proficiency from the Presidential Flight that we operate.
”O’Hare explained that the learnings of the last 10 years will set the tone for the next 10 where the brand will prove to be a marque of distinction and a beacon of excellence for the industry. The new corporate identity reflects their vision to be the leader in shaping the future of business aviation and global luxury travel. He said: “Our new mission is to constantly set new benchmarks for the business aviation industry and the luxury segment, by delivering exceptional customer experiences, through growth and innovation.
“Luxury is in our DNA. To protect our dominance of the VIP charter sector and secure future growth, we will need to renew our fleet and acquire new aircraft to help extend our market leadership and assure a sustainable future. New aircraft acquisition will take place in parallel with the continuing refurbishment of our BBJ fleet,” added O’Hare.
During 2013, working hand in hand with Abu Dhabi Airports Company, Royal Jet intends to expand operations into Al Bateen Executive Airport, the only dedicated private jet airport in Abu Dhabi. This will provide all line maintenance facilities and will include office space, aircraft parking, VIP terminal facilities and land for future development of Royal Jet’s operations.
“We will continue to maintain our fixed base operation in Abu Dhabi International Airport and will undertake extensive refurbishment of that facility in 2013,” explained O’Hare. “Al Bateen will become our principal operating base and integrated operations center for our existing aircraft and for any new additions to the fleet.
”On the occasion of its 10th anniversary O’Hare congratulated the chairman of Royal Jet, His Excellency Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan: “Without His Excellency Sheikh Hamdan’s able leadership and visionary approach, we would not have achieved such high standards. He has led from the front instilling deep values and defining our work culture so that our performance remains unparalleled.”O’Hare also commended Royal Jet’s shareholders, Board of Directors and the management team for making Royal Jet’s first 10 years such a great success. “Royal Jet is proud of the role it plays in the development of Abu Dhabi as a centre of excellence in aviation and in helping position the Emirate globally as an outstanding destination for business and tourism. With the support of our shareholders, we can look forward to the next 10 years with confidence.”