From today's Gulf Daily News:
http://www.gulf-daily-news.com
MANAMA: Bahrain Executive Air Services Company (Bexair) unveiled its new Bombardier Challenger business jet yesterday, before announcing plans to further expand its fleet by the end of the year.The arrival of the new aircraft takes Bexair's fleet to four, but there are plans to add another Challenger before December, according to chairman and chief executive officer Mansour Al Tassan.
He said the "VVIP" carrier is responding to growing demand in the regional market for chartered transport.
"The addition of this new Challenger is part of our fleet expansion," he told the GDN yesterday.
"The executive aviation market is getting bigger and bigger in the Gulf area and by adding this aircraft we hope to increase our market share.
"We are discussing the purchase of another Challenger, which we hope to conclude by the end of the year."
Mr Al Tassan says there are three main reasons for the growing demand for business jets in the region.
They are increasing trade between Arab states, growing awareness of the market and a limited number of licensed operators.
Bexair's new Challenger aircraft is worth $20 million and has been purchased through a financing deal with Credit Suisse.
It was unveiled yesterday in a reception at the Bexair terminal, Bahrain International Airport.
The company is part of the Saudi ASASCO group, but has been based out of Bahrain since 2002.
An estimated 15 per cent of its regional business is generated in this country.
In addition to the two Bombardier Challengers, Bexair also operates two Cessna Citation aircraft.
The company employs around 55 members of staff.