Prestige Jet looking to expand

Abu Dhabi-based Prestige Jet, the Capital's new, fast-growing, private aviation company, has created two new operational divisions designed to facilitate better management and performance of its aircraft and enhance passenger services.

Prestige Technique and Prestige Flight Support are both based in Al Bateen City Airport, the airline's operational base, where a dedicated passenger departure lounge was also opened last month.

Faris Deeb, Managing Director of Prestige Jet, said that by establishing its own capabilities in Al Bateen City Airport, Prestige Jet is better able to control costs and performance of the aircraft, while at the same time enhancing the passenger's jet charter experience.
"We believe the two new divisions will help elevate our client service standards to an even higher level and will allow us to better compete with world's best private jet charter operators," he said.

"Furthermore they are core components of a long term plan to establish a number of our own Fixed Base Operations (FBOs) in strategic locations globally, so as to afford better financial and operational control of key services.
Prestige Technique already provides basic maintenance services for the general aviation industry and a development plan is being evaluated where maintenance capabilities will be enhanced.

"We are in discussion with number of well recognized international MRO (Maintenance Repair Overhaul) companies to establish a joint maintenance entity," adds Deeb.
In parallel, the company is seeking to acquire a facility in Al Ain international airport to establish a dedicated maintenance hangar by the end of 2009.
Deeb adds that Prestige Jet is committed to further investment in product and service enhancements and is also looking to expand its fleet.
"We have a number of possible aircraft on our radar screen," he said, "and we hope to be making several announcements within the next month."