Air Partner launches the Middle East JetCard

Air Partner launches the Middle East JetCard as it adds a third service area to its card scheme, now in its sixth year

Air Partner plc is a leading provider of aviation services to industry, commerce, governments and private individuals worldwide.

Private jet provider Air Partner has added a third service area to its JetCard product and today (October 25) unveils the most flexible jet card scheme on the market for travel within the Middle East.

The launch of the new 25 hour Air Partner Middle East JetCard follows last year's successful introduction of the company's European and Continental US service area cards to GCC-originating travellers flying within these continents.

"Demand from clients worldwide, and the significant improvement in the quality and quantity of private aircraft available for charter in the Middle East over the last 12 months, prompted us to expand our JetCard offering" said Kevin Ducksbury, Air Partner's Dubai-based Director of Middle East and Asia.

The Middle East JetCard is aimed at local business and leisure travellers wishing to fly within their home region (many have already purchased one of Air Partner's other JetCards) and at overseas visitors to the Middle East (including European and USA JetCard holders) who need or want to undertake multi-centre trips.

"The time was right to extend the reach of our JetCard scheme to meet client demand", added Kevin Ducksbury. "Not only have we added a third service area, we have also devised a jet card that offers far more flexibility than the small number of similar products already available in the region."

The Air Partner Middle East JetCard promises fixed price aircraft availability guaranteed at 48 hours notice. Competitive prices are fully inclusive with no ferry costs and no fuel or airport surcharges. Aircraft cabin upgrades or downgrades are permitted, there are no peak day restrictions, return trips qualify for a 15 per cent discount, unused airtime can be refunded and flight credit never expires.

Air Partner's Middle East service area encompasses Cyprus, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Kingdom of Bahrain, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey, United Arab Emirates and Yemen. Additionally, the card includes the special destinations of Tehran and Esfahan in Iran, and Kabul in Afghanistan, for flights to or from the Middle East service area.

Three aircraft cabin sizes are available in the Middle East: midsize jets for up to seven passengers at USD$230,000 (USD$9,200 an hour), large cabin aircraft for up to 10 people at USD$358,750 (USD$14,350 an hour) and global jets capable of taking 14 passengers for USD$487,500 (USD$19,500 an hour). The long-established European JetCard offers these aircraft plus very light, light and super midsize jets.

"The success of our JetCard scheme over the last six years, together with client demand for a Middle East service area, helped to strengthen our resolve to further invest in our JetCard product," concluded Mr Ducksbury. "Its appeal is universal because, in addition to meeting demand from the local market, research among our European and USA JetCard holders has revealed that having a convenient Middle East service area will make their lives much simpler."

Following the recent formation of a strategic alliance with Bahrain-based MENA Aerospace, the new Middle East JetCard will be promoted in Bahrain, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia by MENA. Elsewhere, Air Partner is in discussion with several other high-profile aviation companies with the aim of forming more marketing partnerships.

·; The Middle East JetCard will be launched at the Business Travel Show in Dubai today and tomorrow (October 25 and 26).

 About Air Partner

Air Partner is a world-class provider of aviation services to industry, commerce, governments and individuals worldwide. The company has earned global recognition as a leading aircraft charter broker and organises ad hoc charters of aircraft of every size for any reason. Its three main divisions, supported by a host of support teams, comprise Air Partner Private Jets, Air Partner Commercial Jets and Air Partner Freight. Air Partner Private Jets offers ad-hoc charter and the company's unique pre-paid JetCard scheme. The Commercial Jets division charters large airliners with 20 to 500 seats for groups of every size. Air Partner Freight charters aircraft of every size to fly any cargo anywhere, at any time. With its headquarters in the UK, Air Partner has offices spanning Europe, Asia, the Middle East and North America and operates a 24/7 year-round Flight Support centre from its London Gatwick base. The Group was formed in 1961 and is fully listed on the London Stock Exchange. Air Partner's expertise at providing unsurpassed private flying experiences at the best price is summed up by one fact: it is the only company in the aviation industry to hold a Royal Warrant, a globallyrecognisedmark of excellence. The honour, as Supplier of Aircraft Charter to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, was granted in 2004. www.airpartner.com

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