Skyjet* announces extended service trips from the Middle East to Europe

Bombardier* Skyjet* International achieves yet another milestone by becoming the first ever business jet services provider to offer a fixed hourly rate on travel between the Middle East and Europe.

Skyjet International, allied with the region's leading charter providers, boasts the largest fleet of private jets within the Middle East, offering premier business jet charter programmes with an unprecedented worldwide access to a fleet of over 920 business jets.

Bombardier Aerospace established firm roots in Dubai back in 1995 when it set up its regional sales headquarters for the Middle East and Africa. With the Middle East and the UAE continuing to enjoy a high level of economic growth, demand for business jet travel grew substantially over the last years leading to this region becoming one of the most important growth markets in the world. Bombardier further enhanced its market presence in Dubai by setting up its Charter arm – Skyjet International’s regional office in February 2005. An Authorised Service Facility (ASF) and Parts Depot also began operations in Dubai in December 2005.

Judith Moreton, Skyjet International’s Managing Director, comments “This ongoing expansion has been key to Bombardier's leadership role and success throughout the Middle East. With Bombardier's comprehensive line of business jets, Skyjet International's industry-leading turnkey charter solutions, and a dedicated authorised service facility and parts depot, we deliver complete travel and support solutions befitting all the business and leisure needs of the region.”

“Globalisation has increased the need for business travel and top executives in Europe and the Middle East have come to see private aviation as a justifiable expense if it saves time. As business has become increasingly competitive, time has become more valuable. As a result, the value proposition for private aviation has become more and more tenable and the demand for flying on extended day trips has grown. More business travellers than ever before are also extending the use of private jet to their leisure travel needs.”

Skyjet’s original Jet Membership programme had already opened up a world of convenient, stress-free, executive travel to the discerning traveller. Providing access to over 5500 airports throughout Europe, the Middle East, Asia Pacific and the USA as well as extending numerous benefits and privileges, Jet Membership had quickly established itself as a pioneering model in the fields of executive travel.

The 2008 JET MEMBER Programme further raises the bar and breaks all barriers for luxury jet travel. In addition to the existing benefits of guaranteed aircraft availability, fixed all-inclusive hourly rates based on fixed flight times, and a 20% discount on same day return trips, the enhanced JET MEMBER programme now offers the UNIQUE benefit of fixed pricing between the European and Middle Eastern service areas. This means that our JET MEMBERS in the Middle East are now able to enjoy the same fixed hourly rate whether they use their card for local travel, fly to Europe or fly within the European Region.

This breakthrough benefit promises to position JET MEMBER as the simplest, most transparent and most accessible jet programme currently available in the market – all combined with the highest level of service.

A flight on board the Learjet 45/60 business jet category can connect an extended trip from Dubai-London non-stop with up to 8 passengers on an hourly rate of just $9050 under a 25-hour programme.

Summarises Judith Moreton “As the only business jet provider offering an extended services programme throughout the region to Europe, Skyjet continues to pioneer private aviation across the Gulf Region. These ongoing investments reflect our firm commitment to supporting our growing Middle East customer base backed by Bombardier’s world-class sales and service experience."

JET MEMBER Programme Benefits Summary in the Middle East:
• Penalty-free 25% under-fly on 25 hours or more cards
• Two hours per day minimum charge
• Rates inclusive of fuel charges and VIP catering – No hidden extras, no fuel surcharges
• Flat-fee rate based on fixed flight time for more accurate travel budgeting
• 20% discount on same day return flights – with an overnight charge of just €1500 on flights returning to the original airport by midday on the next day
• Access to over 30 Luxury Brand Partners’ offers through Skyjet’s exclusive Recognition Programme