Dubai: DC Aviation Al Futtaim (DCAF), a joint venture between Germany’s DC Aviation and Dubai-based Al Futtaim, could be operating private executive flights by the end of the year, Holger Ostheimer, the company’s general manager has said.
DCAF is applying for an aircraft operator’s certificate (AOC) from the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), which Ostheimer said is expected within the next three to four months.
An AOC allows an operator to use private aircraft for commercial purposes.
Ostheimer said DCAF has no intention of purchasing aircraft. Instead, the company will operate commercial flights on private aircraft when its owner is not using the aircraft.
Profits are shared between the owner and the operator.
DCAF is forecasting an uptake in business this year with the 80-day closure of a runway at Dubai International from May 1 to July 20 driving traffic to Al Maktoum International at Dubai World Central, Ostheimer said. Planned runway closure
The planned runway closure will reduce capacity at the world’s second busiest airport for international passenger traffic, forcing commercial passenger, cargo, and business jets to adjust their schedules.
Ostheimer said that the runway closure at Dubai International is encouraging “local players” to use the integrated hangar. He said he was optimistic on DCAF’s ability to retain business once Dubai International re-opens in late July.
DCAF completed its purpose-built hangar facility at Dubai World Central, providing aircraft management, VIP aircraft and passenger handling, maintenance and business jet charter.
Ostheimer said the 6,500 square metre hangar is seeing an increase in usage by international clients, particularly from the United States, and the region with strong demand coming from Saudi Arabia-based customers.
The bulk of DCAF customers are private jet owners, however, it does see some commercial chartered jet operations.
Ostheimer declined to say how much the company invested in its new facility; however, he did say he is confident DCAF will break even in mid-2015.
He said the company will invest in a second hangar if the demand is there.
