AJA - the aviation arm of the UAE's largest private employer, the Al Jaber Group (chalet A2) - is set to become the region's largest user of Airbus corporate jets, with six on order.
The company is due to receive the first of four A318 Elites in the next three weeks and it will immediately be flown to a completions centre in Tulsa for a cabin fit that has been designed by the Abu Dhabi-based centre. It also has two A319 ACJs
"We received our air operator's certificate in July and began operations with two Embraer Legacy 600s. We have been really pleased with the way the way the service has been received," says Mark Peirotti, Al Jaber's chief operations officer.
Pierotti says that the timing of the introduction of the Airbus jets to the AJA fleet is perfect. "The first Elite will be delivered from the completion centre in May next year. People will have had the chance to experience what we are calling 'your private airspace' through use of the Legacys. When the Elites come on line the additional space and the very different design we have introduced to suit the Middle East market will make this very popular," Peirotti says.
Airbus will be showing an A318 Elite on the static park at the show to give potential customers the chance to see the difference the larger cabin makes.
"The aircraft is right for people who are looking for the comfort and space in the air that they would get in their homes," says Francois Chazelle, head of Airbus corporate jet business.
"The Airbus ACJ family has the widest cabin and more space than any other aircraft in its class," Chazelle says. "This gives us the chance to introduce a number of design options that are impossible on other aircraft. For example, you can include a round table to allow families or colleagues to sit together to eat. Also because there are no air conditioning ducts in the ceiling we are able to have a domed ceiling, which gives a whole different ambience to the cabin."
Peirotti is remaining tight-lipped about exactly how the AJA Elites will look. "We designed the interiors ourselves," he says. "Our team has a lot of experience in interiors and we know exactly what the Middle East market will be looking for. We are all very excited."
Source: Flight Daily News
