Empire Aviation achieves 100% growth

Empire Aviation has said it achieved 100% year-on-year growth and said it has defied the current downturn in a booming business aviation market.

“The 100 per cent year on year growth of our company reflects the potential offered by the business air charter industry in this part of the world,” said executive director Steve Hartley.

The Dubai-based company does however admit to seeing some effects of the economic difficulties. Hartley said: “We have seen a reduction in jet chartering from the start of the year, which seems to be an expected reaction due to the worldwide financial climate.”

However, this is in contrast to the company’s sales division. He said that the company is witnessing an extremely positive start to the year, having just completed a deal on behalf of a private buyer for a pre-owned Gulfstream G550.

Hartley remains upbeat and said the company has done exceptionally well. “We have based our growth on a sound and seamless business model led by aircraft asset management, aircraft sales and charter operations. We continue to develop new opportunities, increase product awareness and deliver high standards of service for our valued clients and business partners,” he said.

The market potential in the Gulf remains strong and Hartley is optimistic that if the company continues to “provide suitable options and delivering excellent service, we will be in good shape for the future.”

Since the company launched in December 2007 the fleet has grown to 11 aircraft of which two are managed on behalf of private customers.