Action Aviation's newly signed distributorship with MD Helicopters has got off to a flying start with the sale of three new Explorer helicopters into the Middle East in less than two months of the contract being awarded.

Action Aviation has ordered a total of 30 MD helicopters for the region (a minimum of 20 Explorers and 10 single engine MD products) and fully expects to see its role grow into managing customer-owned MD helicopters and Swearingen SJ30 high performance business jets.

Action Aviation is therefore expanding its niche in the region with the marketing of new and pre-owned high performance fixed-wing and helicopter aircraft promoting the use of its MD helicopters as luxury VIP, utility/medevac and corporate air taxis, as well as the luxury high performance Swearingen SJ30 business jet which has a unique range of 2,500 miles and a high speed cruise of 486 knots. Action Aviation is the distributor in 66 countries for the SJ30.

"The Middle East region is developing very quickly and Action Aviation is already responding by expanding its sales team in Dubai and its other Middle Eastern sales territories," says Managing Director Mike Creed.

"Traditionally the large cabin, business jets have been the norm in the Middle East. However, we are starting to see a unique change in both the perception and value of smaller more economical, longer range private jets as important business tools. New and established operators are setting up in the region to develop these expanding markets. This has been witnessed within the airline industry in the region and this is now transcending into private business aviation - both Helicopter and fixed wing."

"We see an important role for high performance aircraft like the SJ30," adds Mike, highlighting the fact that range and speed are two of the key elements required by clients.

The SJ30 can fly 2,500 nm nonstop in around five hours, for example - from Dubai to Vienna, Austria - at a lower cost per mile than any other business jet in its class. The SJ30 is single-pilot certificated and has a total of seven seats. Its four rear executive seats recline to form a fully flat double bed. This makes for a very comfortable private cabin for those longer, Middle East-Europe flights. (The SJ30 also boasts a private flushing lavatory.)

The SJ30 enjoys a maximum cruise speed of 486 kts, complementing its IFR range of 2,500 nm. The SJ30 in the medevac role has great appeal as the aircraft has a sea level cabin pressurization, when flying at 41,000 ft.