Emirates to lease out private jet fleet from Dubai base

In order to accommodate travelers who want to travel quickly to the GCC from Dubai’s Al Maktoum International Airport, Emirates airline has introduced on-demand charter flights.

With short turnarounds to locations in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman, customers of the private service will be able to fly to numerous of Emirates’ Gulf Cooperation Council destinations, both inside and outside of its network, the airline said in a statement on Tuesday.

The Phenom 100 aircraft will be used to perform the service. Emirates introduced the Embraer-built aircraft to its fleet in 2017. It has space for up to four passengers.

Each passenger can check in a medium-sized bag weighing up to 15kg, in addition to a carry-on handbag. Refreshments are available and special requests can be made to travel agents or booking representatives.

“The services offer discerning travellers with busy schedules privacy and a high level of flexibility, with a hassle-free ground experience,” Emirates said.

The use of private chartered flights is growing as it offers convenience and a quicker way to travel, and is particularly popular with business travellers.

The Middle East’s private aviation sector grew more than a quarter year-on-year in 2022 in terms of aircraft movements, latest data from the Middle East & North Africa Business Aviation Association had shown.

Travellers from Dubai using Emirates’ charter services will be able to use chauffeur-driven vehicles to travel to Al Maktoum International.

They will be greeted by a dedicated representative who will assist them throughout their journey at the airport, minimising wait times and other preflight formalities.

At their destinations, travellers will have an on-ground escorted arrival and fast-tracked VIP clearance at customs and immigration provided by private terminal service partners. They will also have access to the private terminal’s lounge upon arrival.

Emirates has made moves to bolster its services amid a resurgence in air travel, after the sector emerged from the Covid-19 pandemic.