Middle East start-up company and Pilatus PC-12NG operator Gi is officially open for business, following receipt of its aircraft operators certificate on the eve of MEBAA. The Abu Dhabi-based company is the only commercial operator of the single-engined turboprop in the region. The first unit has already been delivered and the second aircraft is scheduled to arrive in January.
“We are keen to start flying as soon as possible,” says Gi general manager Marios Belidis. “We have received a number of enquiries, but now we have our AOC, we can officially start to offer our PC-12NG for charter.”
Despite the region’s appetite for large-cabin, twin and tri-engined business jets, Gi is confident the PC-12 will be well received. “Single engines are no longer an obstacle for many people,” says Belidis.
“There is demand in the Middle East for versatile and cost effective personal transport. With its 1,200km (650nm), 4.5h range, and an ability to operate from short runways, the PC-12 will prove to be a popular choice for many regional travellers,” he says.
Gi says it will initially provide charter services – with one aircraft based at its Al Bateen executive airport base in Abu Dhabi and the other in Dubai – but would like to expand the offering within two years to include scheduled operations with the PC-12. “The charter service will provide and introduction to the PC-12 in the region,” he says. “Once it has gained market acceptance – which shouldn’t take long – we would like to add extra aircraft and offer a scheduled service.”
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Source: Flight Daily News
