MEBA2012: DWC's first business jet operation on schedule

The joint venture between DC Aviation and local trade giant Al-Futtaim has broken ground with the hangar skeleton rising dramatically over the desert landscape next to the Al Maktoum International terminal.

 

The facility will be home to their future UAE air operator certificate as well as a line maintenance operation.

 

Holger Ostheimer, general manager, DC Aviation Al-Futtaim (chalet A8), is happy with the progress made so far. “The air operator certificate application is in process and we expect accreditation by June 2013.

 

The chartering business has already kicked off and the building of the hangar is on schedule, with progress being made every day.”

 

When complete, the new facility will offer 5,700sqm of hangar space, with a 7,700sqm apron for ramp parking and 2,000sqm of offices and lounges.

 

As well as being the first full-range operation for DC Aviation outside of Germany – the Malta-based operation offers a smaller scope – the team has already hit a number of firsts in DWC. “DC Aviation Al-Futtaim will be DWC’s first line operation. We are the first to be registered here and we have a trade licence here. When we launch on April 1, we will be the first and only business jet operation on the field,” said Ostheimer.

 

The partnership was born of long association and delayed by the market recession but was revived in 2010, when the joint venture was signed, the construction plan formulated and the company incorporated. “We had previous levels of partnership with Al Futtaim, operating aircraft for the group, and that experience and the working relationship gave us the idea of forming an aviation partnership.”

 

While DC Aviation brings the industry knowledge and experience, Ostheimer believes that the Al-Futtaim name will open doors throughout the region. He added: “People don’t buy private aircraft because of glossy brochures or adverts. Sales are made on the word of people you know.”