Empire Aviation Group targets US market as it expands from UAE base

Empire Aviation Group aims to sell as many as 30 business jets out of the US over the next year as it expands from its UAE base.

The private aviation company that operates from Dubai International Airport is opening a sales office in Arizona, betting on a bounce in demand for private jets in North America as its economy improves.

“As the US market for new business jets recovers, this creates opportunities in the pre-owned sector as corporations and individuals take delivery of their new aircraft and more aircraft come onto the pre-owned market,” said Steve Hartley, executive director of Empire Aviation Group. “We plan to follow up this first step into the US market with the introduction of our full service portfolio of aircraft management and aircraft charter.”

Global business jet sales slowed after the global financial crisis but the market is showing signs of a recovery according to the General Aviation Manufacturer’s Association. Business jet shipments inched higher to 678 aircraft in 2013 from 672 in 2012.

The new sales office will buy and resell pre-owned jets for clients around the world and Empire plans to expand services to include aircraft charter and management.

The company made the disclosure as aviation industry figures arrive in Abu Dhabi today for the Global Aerospace Summit.

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