NetJets may be the largest private jet operator in the world, but its current turf in terms of where it draws customers is largely focused on the U.S. and Europe.
Now, according to a report in The National, a UAE-based newspaper, NetJets will open a regional sales office in Dubai in the first quarter of 2020.
In an interview with Michael Graham, a senior vice president with NetJets, he told the paper the company currently has about 50 customers in the region and wants to add 15 to 20 per year.
In 2011, NetJets ended a franchise agreement with National Air Services (NASJET) of Saudia Arabia that had run for 11 years. At the time, Aviation International News reported the pair’s Middle East fleet included Gulfstream IV-SPs, G450s, Dassault Falcon 2000s, 2000LXs, and Hawker Beechcraft Hawker 750s, and 800XPs.
According to its website, NASJET currently manages 67 aircraft based in the Middle East with a fleet value exceeding $2 billion.
Graham said NetJets will target private jet owners, the region’s 10,000 Ultra High Net Worth Individuals, and companies going public that want to shift to move to fractional ownership or leases.
Flights to and from Riyadh make up 65% of its current traffic with Paris, Geneva, Nice, London, and Mediterranean popular destinations.
A spokesman for NetJets confirmed the article, and added, “We see some nice potential to grow our client base here.”
Currently, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates are in the Ferry Waiver Zone for its Challenger 350, Falcon 200EX, Gulfstream G550, and Global 6000 programs.
The news comes on the heels of another order for Gulfstream ultra-long-range private jets by Qatar Executive yesterday during NBAA in Las Vegas. Qatar will be the launch customer for the new G700, additional to its billion-dollar order back in July.
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