DUBAI – A total of 672 new private jets were sold globally in 2012, a 3.4 percent drop from 2011 figures, according to General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA). Overall, 11,261 private jets were registered for use in the United States, and 7,997 in the rest of the world. Moreover, the US makes up 49.7 percent of the global market for private jets; Europe 20.8 percent; Asia Pacific 11.8 percent; Latin and South America 11.6 percent; Middle East and Africa (MEA) 6.1 percent. These figures were highlighted by Private Jet Charter (PJC), one of the world's largest independent private jet charter brokers, while unveiling ambitious plans to expand its market share in Europe and the Middle East. Private jet charter has become increasingly popular in recent years as more people choose to bypass security hassles and exasperating check-in procedures at airports by opting for a private jet. PJC has access to the largest and most comprehensive fleet of private jets anywhere in the world. Hugh Courtenay, Founder and Chief Executive, PJC said: “The Middle East holds a larger potential for private jet business compared to other more developed regions, due mainly to the fact that the service industry in this region is still developing. We are pleased with the growing interest in our air charter services here, reinforcing our position as one of the Middle East's leading private aircraft charter brokers.” PJC has a network of offices in the UK, Nice and significant presence in the Middle East, through a busy base in Dubai and strong presence in Jeddah in Saudi Arabia. The organization also has offices in the key charter hubs of Moscow and Florida.” Ross Kelly, Managing Director for Middle East, PJC added: “With investments increasingly migrating to emerging markets, traditional business hubs are losing ground. PJC is proud of its strengths in these promising markets, backed by an unrivalled track record.” PJC has business clients who fly privately a regular basis, while there are others who book once or twice a year. The company's client base is very varied – musicians, business people, moguls and wealthy individuals, actors or news reporters needing to get to a news flashpoint. The company also arranges flights for football teams, sports clubs, fashion designers and DJs. – SG
