Falcon Aviation Services (FAS) of Abu Dhabi, the expanding VIP helicopter charter and maintenance company has concluded a purchase of four spn light jets. The agreement was signed by Chairman Salem Al-Kayoumi from FAS and Gerrit Basson, COO of ExecuJet Aviation Group during the second day of EBACE 2007 in Geneva, May 23. The deal was supported by ExecuJet Middle East, a subsidiary of ExecuJet Aviation Group, the exclusive distributors globally of the spn outside USA and Canada.

After a lengthy evaluation of other similar sized jets, FAS selected the spn because of its versatile performance, impressive economics as well as flexible and spacious cabin. "The capability of the spn is going to be a significant game changer for business aviation in the Middle East and we are proud to be one of the first customers in the region," said FAS General Manager Philip Markham. Some of the airports it will serve are runway-restricted for jets of this class. The spn's unique operating characteristics are ideal for operations to these airports with privately owned unpaved runways.

The four spn jets will be delivered to FAS from mid 2008 through to mid 2009 and will be based at the company's Bateen Airport Base only 10km from the city of Abu Dhabi. FAS has selected two aircraft with a 6-seat Executive layout and two aircraft with an 8-seat Business interior layout with options for conversion to a dedicated air ambulance role.

"The spn introduction in mid 2008 will allow us to offer the market a greater range of services. The spn will be our short haul workhorse, ideal for flights within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and as far as Beirut and beyond. We are very excited by this new aircraft, which combines solid German engineering and the innovative use of carbon fibre with great ramp appeal and a modern and spacious cabin," said Markham.

Currently the FAS Military Support Operations provide 24/7/365 Search and Rescue (SAR) service to the UAE Armed Forces with a modern fleet of four helicopters.

Commencing operations in November 2006, FAS recently announced its intention to expand into fixed wing VIP operations and will accept its first mid-to-long range business jet in the first quarter of 2008. FAS sees itself as integral to the development of Abu Dhabi beyond oil and gas and will work closely with the government authorities and tourism operators to provide the specialized, individual services they require. FAS will work with strategic partners in pursuit of this goal, one of which will be the seven star Emirates Palace Hotel where it already provides VIP helicopter shuttles.