Dubai: XJet World, an US-based private aviation service provider, has signed a deal with Dubai World Central (DWC) Aviation City to set up a fixed base operations (FBO) facility for business and private aircraft.
With an initial investment of $35 million (Dh128 million), this will be XJet's first such facility in the Middle East.
The contract was signed by Abdullah Al Qurashi, CEO, DWC Aviation City, and Josh Stewart, [resident and CEO, XJet World, at the Aircraft Interiors Middle East (AIME) 2008 show held recently in Dubai.
Exclusive facilities
The 158,444 square foot facility within DWC, the 140 square kilometre urban aviation project centred around the world's largest international airport, will offer exclusive facilities in the industry.
Al Qurashi said: "XJet selected Dubai as its first Middle East base as DWC Aviation City has just the right infrastructure for the business aviation industry.
"No other region in the world has seen such high air transportation growth as the Middle East - nine per cent in 2006 - and with more than 80 aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) hangar plots at DWC, regional business aviation growth is expected to more than double."
XJet's DWC FBO will have 60 dedicated employees and will be targeting selected clientele during its first year of operations.
Stewart said: "XJet is revolutionising the world of private aviation and generating a buzz within the business aviation industry. XJet will offer its seven-star customer services topped with transparent economics and an unparalleled experience. XJet will provide comprehensive and seamless solution to its clients.".
DWC Aviation City is offering a platform to attract the best of aviation suppliers and MRO providers from around the world, complementing the region's tremendous executive and business aviation growth.
The first phase of the project is expected to be operational in 2009.
