Boosting Intra-Gulf Business Travel: Emirates' Private Charter Service

Anticipating a Surge in GCC Business Travel Demand Post-Summer Season

While summer holidays typically see Gulf residents venturing outside the region, there is expected to be a significant increase in demand for business travel, particularly for private jets, to destinations such as Riyadh, Jeddah, Doha, and Kuwait City.

Emirates Launches On-Demand Regional Charter Service for Short Trips in GCC

This prediction from industry experts follows the recent launch of Emirates' on-demand regional charter service, catering to customers seeking short trips to various GCC destinations from Dubai's Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) , Emirates' regional charter service utilizes the Phenom 100 twin-engine aircraft, accommodating a maximum of four passengers. With quick turnaround points to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and within the UAE, the service is ideal for day trips or urgent meetings within the GCC.

Rising Demand for Private Charter Flights in Intra-Gulf Business Travel and Recovery in the Middle East and Africa Region

Private operators have indicated that the cost of chartering a Phenom 100 to Riyadh for a day trip ranges from Dh22,000 to Dh29,500. Furthermore, the demand for private charter flights has remained high throughout the summer, with an increase of 10 to 15 percent compared to the previous month , According to the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), business travel in the Middle East and Africa region is recovering at a faster pace than in other regions and is projected to return to pre-pandemic levels by 2024.

Growing Trend: First Class Passengers Opting for Private Jets in Intra-Gulf Business Travel

While the service's cost varies based on destination, number of travelers, and special requests, there is a growing trend of First Class passengers considering private jets, especially for larger group travel. Emirates First Class passengers, for instance, may find it more appealing to opt for a private jet at a similar cost , However, experts note that for domestic travel within the UAE, a service of this nature may not be logistically feasible. With the country's relatively smaller size, business travelers are often better off driving to their destinations, saving time and resources , As the post-summer season approaches, the GCC is expected to witness a surge in business travel demand, and private jet operators are ready to cater to the needs of discerning travelers seeking efficient and convenient transportation options within the region.