ExecuJet to double charter fleet

Dubai: ExecuJet, a private aviation firm based at Dubai airport, said it would more than double capacity of its charter flights with the arrival of new privately owned aircraft to meet rising demand.

A full-service private aviation firm including sales, maintenance and management of Bombardier aircraft, ExecuJet also operates charter flights on behalf of the owners who want to offset the costs of ownership.

Mike Berry, managing director of ExecuJet Middle East, said its charter fleet would increase from three to eight aircraft over the next eight months as the market for private travel continues to expand.

"We're just seeing continued demand for charter services - in the last year, inquiries have more than doubled," Berry told Gulf News. "We're seeing new charter brokers and new charter operators as well."

Dubai is becoming a hub for private aviation in the Middle East, which is seeing strong demand by corporate and high net worth travellers.

According to the Middle East Business Aviation Association (Mebaa), demand for business jets is rising by 10 to 12 per cent a year. Currently, the market is worth $480 million for regional operators. This is projected to double in four years, climbing to $1 billion by 1010.

The new ExecuJet aircraft available for charter include two Lear 60XR light jets, two Challenger 850 wide-bodied business jets, and one challenger 605 wide-bodied business jet, all from Bombardier.

Overall, ExecuJet manages a fleet of 14 aircraft for private owners, and has secured contracts to grow to 20 by the first quarter of 2008. Out of its managed fleet, only aircraft registered out of the UAE are permitted for charter flights.

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With its headquarters in Zurich, Execujet has operated out of Dubai since 1999. In 2005 it opened its own VIP lounge at its fixed base operation facility, one of only three operating at Dubai International Airport.

The company is a distributor for Bombardier aircraft such as the Learjet in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Lebanon, Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Oman, Yemen, Bah-rain and Jordan.

As part of its management services, ExecuJet also handles full flight planning, including clearances for over flights and landings in countries as far away as China.

AIRPORT NEWS

CDFG secures Guangzhou retail deal

China Duty Free Group (CDFG), the only organisation authorised to operate duty-free shops on the Chinese mainland, has finalised an exclusive five-year contract to operate duty-free shops at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport.

According to the agreement, CDFG will renovate and expand the current duty-free area to 1,000m², adjust current product categories and introduce more top international branded goods, including perfume, cosmetics, and clothing from the likes of Hermes, Louis Vitton and Gucci. CDFG must also ensure that prices do not exceed those in Hong Kong and Singapore airports.

“The new duty-free programme will start with cosmetics and top fashion brands,” says Zhang Kejian, manager, Baiyun Airport Authority. “We believe that we will offer our passengers the best in world-class duty-free shopping after we introduce CDFG in Guangzhou Baiyun Airport.”

CDFG will work closely with the airport authority to promote Baiyun airport’s image as one of the world’s top airports. Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport handled 26.22 million people in 2006, including four million overseas visitors.

CDFG has established over 150 retails shops in China, with sales of more than US$300 million a year at a wide range of airports, including Qingdao, Shenyang, Xiamen, Fuzhou, Xi’an, Haikou.

Hobby International named best small US airport

JD Power and Associates has named William P Hobby International Houston as the best small airport in its 2007 North American Airport Satisfaction Study. Small airports are defined as those handling fewer than 10 million departing passengers a year.

Dallas Fort Worth International Airport ranked first in the large airport category, while Kansas City International Airport ranked first in the medium airport category.

Jim Gaz, senior director of travel and entertainment for J.D. Power and Associates, says 61 US airports were included in this year’s study.

Kiosks boost demand for airport flu shots

Increasing numbers of US airports are offering flu shots to passengers in response to strong demand. Shots are now available at airports in Chicago, Atlanta, San Francisco, Denver, Newark, Las Vegas, and Vancouver, B.C.

According to John Zautcke, medical director of the year-round University of Illinois at Chicago-O’Hare Medical Clinic, a lot of people find the offering is convenient. This year the airport has made it more convenient still by offering the shots at kiosks near waiting areas, rather than at the airport clinic.

With the kiosks, O’Hare is administering about 2,400 shots a week. This compares with about 350 a week in previous years, when they were administered at the medical centre.

LaGuardia delays blamed on tomato juice

LaGuardia delays blamed on tomato juice

Security staff blamed long delays at the weekend at the American Airlines terminal at New York City’s LaGuardia Airport on spilled tomato juice.

The problems arose when a vendor working at the airport spilled tomato juice on one of the five x-ray machines in the terminal. With 20% of the security screening capacity out of action, queues built quickly.

A Transportation Safety Administration official confirmed the cause of the problem, but added, “That’s the risk you take when you deal with technology.”

It took almost six hours before the machine was brought back into service and the queues returned to normal.

Youtube executive to keynote HSMAI conference

Focusing on the most timely and critical issues related to travel Internet marketing, the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International’s (HSMAI) ninth Travel Internet Marketing Strategy Conference will delve into the hottest topics of the day: Social Media, eCommerce and Online Branding.

The day-long forum will be held on Monday, Dec. 3, 2007 in Phoenix, AZ, just prior to the HEDNA conference.

Addressing attendees with a keynote speech on “Leveraging the Social Media Medium” will be YouTube’s Vice President of Sales & Marketing Jordan Hoffner. Also delivering a keynote address on “Online Branding - Emerging Strategies in Search Intelligence” will be Mike Pusateri, Chairman, Vantage Strategy Consulting.

Additionally, Cindy Estis Green, Managing Partner, The Estis Group, will present “The New World of Social Media,” and a spirited group will debate “eCommerce Perspectives from Non-Travel Industry Experts.”

“Understanding this powerful, yet ever-evolving medium is mandatory for success in today’s marketplace,” states Robert A. Gilbert, CHME, CHA, president and CEO of HSMAI. “The strategy conference serves as a one-stop shop for the hottest topics and most critical matters related to travel Internet marketing.”

BBC Coast Series wins coveted Tourism Society award

The BBC Coast Series was awarded the 2007 Tourism Society Award at the 30th Annual Dinner on 18th October hosted by Lord Thurso MP in recognition of its contribution to tourism promotion. The Award, given to organisations or individuals that have made an exceptional contribution to the development of tourism in the United Kingdom, was presented at the Society`s Annual Dinner at the House of Commons by Society President Lord Thurso MP FTS.

Chris Wikeley FTS, Tourism Society Board Member who nominated the series said, "My fellow board members and I recognised that this programme did a great deal to promote the UK and its attractions thus stimulating the wish to travel within our own country and so support the tourism industry. It is doubtful that any of the tourism agencies could afford the cost of the prime time TV that is available to the tourism industry through a programme such as Coast."

Series Editor Gill Tierney on receiving the award commented "this is a tremendous honour for Coast. Our mission was simple; to celebrate the extraordinary diversity of our coastline and the incredible stories it has to tell. I think we just reminded people what it means to be an island nation."

Coast Series 1 travelled round the entire coastline of the UK in 13 episodes while two further series of 8 programmes each explored further afield, including the Republic of Ireland and many Scottish Islands.

Ruler of Dubai views emirate`s major projects

His Highness Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, was the first person to officially view “The Gallery” – the advanced facility designed to promote DWTC’s major projects to the world.

The tour enabled His Highness to review progress on Dubai Exhibition City and Dubai Trade Centre District and to discuss the innovations that will attract some of the world’s most prominent business groups to Dubai.

“We were delighted that His Highness Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum was able to join us to view these exciting projects, which will make a significant contribution to the business and developmental goals of Dubai,” said Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General, Dubai World Trade Centre.

The Gallery is designed to host delegations and trade visitors from around the world.

Currently under construction, Dubai Trade Centre District, at the heart of Dubai next to Sheikh Zayed Road, is set to offer a purpose-built state-of-the-art convention destination and some of the highest grade office space in the region, supported by a boutique shopping district and a range of hotels. DWTC is already in discussion with a number of international companies who are eager to make it a location for their regional or global headquarters.

Dubai Exhibition City will be the first fully-integrated city designed to host events and major exhibitions. A wide range of organisers, as well as companies providing support services for events, have approached DWTC with a view to establishing a permanent base within the city. In addition, many organisers are in discussion with DWTC about hosting major events at Dubai Exhibition World, the world-class facility within the development.

“The Gallery will be an important tool for managing relations with the range of international businesses who are looking to be part of Dubai Trade Centre District and Dubai Exhibition City. DWTC is bringing something new to the real estate market with these developments and this facility will provide us with the right platform for dialogue with partners and future partners,” said Al Marri.

Raffles to manage historic hotel in Paris

Raffles Hotels & Resorts has signed an agreement with Royal Monceau Pte Ltd to manage the historic Le Royal Monceau hotel in Paris. The hotel will join Raffles Hotels & Resorts’ collection of luxury properties in winter 2008.

Le Royal Monceau is jointly owned by Alexandre Allard and Qatari developer, Barwa Real Estate, with Mr. Allard assuming majority ownership. Alexandre Allard is a well respected French entrepreneur, known for his association with luxury brands and his visionary ventures.

Le Royal Monceau is scheduled for refurbishment in 2008 and is greatly anticipated to re-open as a 21st century French masterpiece.

Raffles Hotels & Resorts will also introduce several environmentally friendly practices, such as the use of Hybrid cars, a solar energy heated swimming pool and recycling processes for water, when Le Royal Monceau makes its re-debut in 2008.

Le Royal Monceau will make a precious addition to Raffles Hotels & Resort`s collection of heritage properties, which includes Raffles Hotel Singapore, Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, Siem Reap, Raffles Hotel Le Royal, Phnom Penh and Raffles Beijing Hotel, China.

Alexandre Allard, President Royal Monceau Pte Ltd. said, “Raffles Hotels & Resorts is renowned not only for its expertise in hospitality, service and culinary excellence, but also for its appreciation and respect for local culture. Under the Raffles management, Le Royal Monceau will be the epitome of gracious hospitality imbued with true Parisian spirit. We are very pleased to be working with Raffles, and have no doubt that discerning travellers to Paris will find Le Royal Monceau, a veritable Palace of the 21st century.”

“We are delighted to have been entrusted with this historic property, and to bring the Raffles name to this much sought-after destination. With its array of old and new world attractions, Paris continues to be the destination of choice for millions of visitors each year,” commented Bill Fatt, Chief Executive Officer, Fairmont Raffles Hotels International. “We look forward to working with our partners to fully refurbish and restore Le Royal Monceau to its original grandeur.”

Diana Ee-Tan, Managing Director, Raffles Hotels & Resorts added, “We have always wanted to extend the presence of Raffles to Paris, and we are thrilled that we now have this opportunity to be a part of this vibrant city. Le Royal Monceau will be distinguished by the heartfelt service, refined ambience and residential charm that Raffles hotels and resorts around the world are known for, to become the favoured home-away-from-home for privileged travellers to Paris.”