Dubai: Emirates Executive, the private jet arm of Emirates airline, said on Thursday its only aircraft, an Airbus A319, has flown more than 450 hours since it launched 16 months ago.
Emirates Executive launched in August 2013, offering charter services “to most locations worldwide and beyond the existing Emirates network.” Emirates airline flies to more than 140 destinations.
The A319 is part of the European plane manufacturer’s family of A320 short-to-medium-range aircraft. The A319 can be fitted out to seat 156 passengers, according to the Airbus website. Emirates Executive’s aircraft, featuring private suites and a large multifunctional lounger area, seats up to 19 passengers.
“In the last year we have seen demand come from the Middle East and Africa and we owe this to Emirates Executive’s large cabin offering, which easily accommodates and provides room for our passengers,” Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Divisional Senior Vice President, Planning, Aeropolitical and Industry Affairs, said in a statement.
Emirates Executive has said its passengers constitute corporate executives, large family groups and government delegations.
“There remains significant growth in the large cabin segment of the private charter industry and Emirates Executive posted strong first year results. We will continue to raise awareness of our offering and target key source markets in order to tap into new demand,” Kazim stated.
Emirates Executive is looking to boost demand in key source markets and partner with tour operators selling luxury global tour packages.
Its A319 has a wide dining and executive lounge at the front of the aircraft that is designed to seat up to 12 passengers that features two televisions. The aircraft also has 10 private suites that each features a fully flat seat. Each suite has a shower spa and floor heating.
Emirates, the worlds’ largest airline by international passenger numbers, is competing with the private jet market with its executive offering. Qatar Airways also has its own Qatar Executive fleet while Etihad Airways works with Royal Jet to cater to private jet passengers.
Passenger on-board Emirates Executive’s A319 are able to use Emirates airlines’ in flight entertainment systems as well as live television, video conferencing facilities, high speed Wi-Fi and mobile phone connectivity. And they are also offered tailored menus.