NasJet and ExecuJet Middle East will commence operations in Saudi Arabia through its new FBO (Fixed-Base Operations) in Riyadh from the first quarter of 2013, it said in a statement recently. The move follows the strategic partnership between ExecuJet and NasJet announced at the Dubai Air Show last year to operate the new FBO at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. NasJet is the largest and fastest growing private jet company in the Middle East. As one of the top 20 luxury aviation carriers in the world, it recently announced an annual revenue in excess of SR500 million for 2012, showcasing a 6 year on year revenue growth. The new operation will employ a total of 33 staff in the first year and consist of a crew room, ramp and operations offices and admin offices. As with all FBO providers in Riyadh, services will be offered from the existing Private Aviation Terminal. Mark Hardman, Operations Director for ExecuJet Middle East, said that the company expect to handle around 4000 movements in the first year. “Our Ground Service Equipment (GSE) has now arrived in Riyadh from the USA and includes top of the range pushback and servicing equipment. We have also sourced luxury passenger and crew vehicles locally to enrich the passenger and crew experience” he added.
“The Strategic Partnership brings ExecuJet's renowned service standards to the Kingdom for the first time and as importantly has Nas' local knowledge and expertise behind the project. We will shortly be offering our Riyadh clients the same great customer service provided at any ExecuJet FBO worldwide”. Group CEO of NAS Holdings, Sulaiman Al Hamdan, said on NasJet's growing value offering in the region. “Corporate aviation is increasingly relied upon by organizations and private individuals looking to optimize their use of time. The flexibility to travel based on a personal schedule is surely a ‘gift of time' and this sentiment is clearly reflected in the growing number of aircraft users in the Middle East. This strategic move to establish the FBO with ExecuJet is one of our expansion strategies and will ensure a superior quality of service is provided to our clients.” New ExecuJet FBO Manager in Riyadh Gary Forster, the newly appointed ExecuJet FBO Manager in Riyadh, added “we are very excited and looking forward to starting our operations in Saudi, and to be of service to new and existing customers alike” he stated. “We have recruited 90 percent of the new employees, of whom we are proud to say that 38 percent are Saudi Nationals; a number of staff are currently being trained at the ExecuJet Dubai facility. Our employees will combine international expertise with local custom and experience”. Forster concluded “we are looking forward to welcoming passengers and crew to the Riyadh facility.” ExecuJet brings world-class expertise in managing currently 18 FBOs globally across 5 continents and an international fleet of 154 private aviation aircraft. NasJet - part of the NAS Holding, has a fleet of 18 private aircraft and 60 aircraft under management. The joint venture between NAS and ExecuJet will seek to enhance customer's perceived value of services provided through multi-channel communication strategy (e.g. online booking, web presence, social media, Apple Apps, third-party directories). In addition to the FBO airside services, clients will benefit from a comprehensive suite of services such as landside, regulatory filing and concierge services – all under one roof. – SG
