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SPOTLIGHT
ALPHA STAR AVIATION SERVICES
INVESTING IN THE NEXT PHASE

INTERVIEW INTERVIEW
BENOÎT DEFFORGE
AIRBUS CORPORATE JETS DANIELA BOUTSEN
THE IMPORTANCE OF DETAIL
FBO
ROYAL JET
STEPPING OUT
IN SEYCHELLES

SR TECHNICS
Going Modular
Off-the-shelf completions options
for the single-aisle big boys
N°36
June-July 2014 INTERNATIONAL MEDIA
PRODUCTION ZONE
 © Agence VERTU / Photographies : Alexandre Leblanc – Jérôme Kélagopian

ALTITUDES EUROPE-228X2X270.indd 1
28/05/14 17:19
 www.cannesyachtingfestival.com

ALTITUDES EUROPE-228X2X270.indd 2 28/05/14 17:19

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CONTENTS

11 46

54 56

■ Contents No.36 June/July 2014

09 Editorial

11 Tarmac News – All the news and more from around the world

38 Shopping – Luxurious gifts for every occasion

41 Timepieces – Timeless Elegance

46 Yachting – Stella Maris 72M

54 Spotlight – Alpha Star

56 Interview – Daniela Boutsen, Boutsen Design

5
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CONTENTS

60 68

74 80

60 FBO – Royal Jet, Seychelles

64 Interview – Benoît Defforge, Airbus Corporate Jets

68 Completions – SR Technics

74 Cars – Porsche Macan Turbo S

80 Destination – Shangri-La Villingili Resort, Maldives

84 Brokerage – Current listings

90 Welcome Aboard

■ Contents
No.36 June/July 2014

6
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EDIToRIAL

The biggest, the fastest and a live order

book, EBACE 2014 has delivered again
It’s been a pretty busy few weeks producing this issue of Altitudes
Arabia as our deadline virtually coincided with EBACE and as usual
the annual convention in Geneva was loaded with news we couldn’t
afford to miss.
Right as we closed for press, the 14th annual EBACE convention
had just wound up and as expected it was three days crammed with
news affecting the industry.
Organisers said the Palexpo site was eight per cent larger than pre-
vious years. The static display was sold out with 65 aircraft on the
tarmac and more than 13,200 registered delegates had passed
through its doors, which they claim is seven per cent up on last year.
There was big news from the OEMs with Dassault unveiling the la-
test member of its growing family with the 8X. Deliveries are due
to commence in 2016 with the first flight expected to take place
early next year.
Taking pride of place on the stand however was a 5X mock-up
which grabbed a lot of attention, but probably not as much as its
neighbour Bombardier which had what’s supposed to be the lar-
gest ever cabin mock-up in business aviation of its Global 7000.
The four-zone cabin took eight months to complete while the real
thing has also commenced manufacturing, which will no doubt be
of interest to Gulfstream who unveiled their extended range flags-
hip G650ER.
Of more interest to readers in our region was a number of announ-
cements including the launch of Dubai-based Veling Tayara, an exe-
cutive jet leasing company.
Headed by former Embraer Executive Jets duo Ernst Edwards and
Colin Stevens, they plan to focus on five-year leases for young air-
craft and are targeting Middle Eastern, Asian and African clients.
Aviation Link has taken on the management of an ACJ320 following
the announcement that Airbus had won the order from a Middle
Eastern client, while its counterpart in Saudi Arabia, Alpha Star also
had some good Airbus news with its announcement that it has be-
come the first ACJ320 customer to retrofit Sharklets.
Along with news of the redesigned Aerion Mach 1.6 supersonic jet
and a live streaming order book showing the Pilatus PC-24 chalking
up 84 sales right before our eyes, ensuring its production until at
least 2019, it was a show not to be missed. ■

By Damien Reid
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Pub Private Jet Central-AA36.indd 1 30/05/2014 11:01

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NEWS TARMAC

FOUR SEASONS
Hotel Industry’s First Fully Branded Jet
A Boeing 757 retrofitted to transport 52 guests in bespoke luxury has been launched by Four Seasons

Hotels and Resorts as the ultimate way to reach their many five-star destinations. With Four Seasons on

the fuselage and the iconic Four Seasons logo on the tail, the jet will feature interiors and exterior design

customized by the company’s own designers. Beginning in February 2015, the Four Seasons Jet will offer

travellers a unique travel experience from the moment they book their trip. Four Seasons in-flight staff,

including a dedicated on-board concierge, will coordinate with local hotel concierges in each destination

to ensure that each guest gets the maximum out of their holiday. “Taking our legendary service to the

skies is a natural extension of what we’ve been doing in our hotels for more than 50 years,” the Executive

Vice President Marketing, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Susan Helstab said. “The Four Seasons Jet

showcases the unforgettable people and experiences that make Four Seasons unique. It speaks to our

pioneering spirit and the aspirations of today’s modern luxury traveller in an imaginative new way.” Guests

can look forward to handcrafted leather flatbed seats, five-star catering and in-flight Wi-Fi allowing for

activities such as spa treatments, tee times, private excursions and more to be arranged “on the fly.”

“The decision to offer one-of-a-kind trips aboard a custom-designed Four Seasons Jet reflects an

understanding of our guests’ evolving needs and preferences. It recognizes their desire to pair adventure

and discovery with the luxury of a fully immersive Four Seasons experience,” Ms Helstab said. The Four

Seasons Jet, including accompanying staff and crew, may also be privately chartered.

…TELEX…ALTITUDES ARABIA JUNE/JULY 2014 …Aerion Corp re-launched its supersonic business
jet as a larger-cabin trijet with longer range and better runway performance at EBACE… ENDS 11
XP9 News Tarmac-AA36-3_XP News Tarmac-AA36 12/06/2014 15:38 Page12

NEWS TARMAC

DC AVIATION AL-FUTTAIM
DWC traffic increases
with DXB runway closure
Even before Dubai International started work on its
runway resurfacing on May 1, a significant amount of
traffic had transferred to the new DWC airport according
to founding resident, DC Aviation Al-Futtaim. The
company claims it has seen more than a 100 percent
increase in private and business jet movement during
April and Holger Ostheimer, General Manager, DC
Aviation Al-Futtaim said that expects this trend to
continue as private and business jet operators shift their
operations to DWC. “We saw an increasing number of
private and business jet operators move their operations
to DWC even before the planned closure of Dubai
International. The increasing numbers confirms our
decision to be the first integrated business aviation
operation to be based at Al Maktoum International
Airport,” he said. “We also expect to see asset owners
permanently shift their operations to DWC even after the
runway refurbishment as owners and operators realize
the convenience DWC offers in terms of easy access via
the Dubai bypass, lesser operational restrictions and
timely operations. By having no traffic restrictions and
allowing the VVIP passenger to fly when needed and to
being able to access the aircraft which is literally parked
only a few steps away from the passenger lounge, our
facility offers all the convenience and comforts expected
of a premium facility,” Mr Ostheimer added.
EMPIRE AVIATION
Dubai-based business
launches aircraft sales
operation in the US
The operator of the Middle East’s largest managed fleet of
business jets, Empire Aviation Group has opened a new
aircraft sales office in the United States.
It’s new sales office in Scottsdale, Arizona will help the
company access the world’s largest market for private
aviation and business aircraft with North America
accounting for more than 50 per cent of global new
business jet sales and around 60 per cent of the world’s
general aviation fleet. The plan is to target 30 aircraft
sales in its first 12 months of operation from its base at
Scottsdale Municipal Airport. It will focus on acquiring and
re-selling pre-owned business jets for buyers around the
world including in the Middle East, Africa and India and
has appointed Gary Wright, a veteran of the US general
aviation industry, to head the new sales operations. “Our
new sales office is just the first step for Empire Aviation
Group in the US. We have proven our aviation asset
management business model and the US is the next
opportunity after our launch in India, in 2012, “Steve
Hartley, Executive Director of Empire Aviation Group, said.
“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. “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,” he added.

EXECUJET MIDDLE EAST

Turkish approval for Dubai MROs
ExecuJet Middle East is celebrating extended Turkish Directorate General of Civil
Aviation (DGCA) approval for maintenance operations at the company’s facilities
at Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport. The new
approvals cover base and line maintenance activities on Embraer Phenom 300,
Hawker 125 – 7/8/9 Series and Bombardier Challenger 604/605 aircraft. The
facilities are already approved to maintain Embraer 135/145 and Legacy 600 and
650 aircraft. “We are delighted to have received these approvals, making us one
of the first Turkish DGCA-approved business aviation MRO facilities on these
aircraft types outside Turkey,” the General Manager of Maintenance, ExecuJet
Middle East, Wayne Dooley said. “We look forward to expanding our
maintenance offering even further in the coming months,” he added.

…TELEX…ALTITUDES ARABIA JUNE/JULY 2014 …The Indian Premier League (IPL) is providing opportunities to
12 flight support companies using the IPL platform to explore the Indian market for a long-term association… ENDS
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XP9 News Tarmac-AA36-3_XP News Tarmac-AA36 12/06/2014 15:38 Page14

NEWS TARMAC

QATAR EXECUTIVE
Fourth Global 5000 added to fleet
In preparation for the busy summer holiday season, Qatar Executive is planning to add a fourth ultra-

long haul Global 5000 to its fleet in July. This follows its recent acquisition of a brand new Global

Vision at the end of last year and beings the company’s fleet up to eight wholly-owned aircraft,

comprising four Global 5000s – among them two Global 5000 Visions – three Challenger 605s and

one Global XRS. Its new Global 5000 range of up to 9,260km, the aircraft is capable of flying

virtually anywhere in the world to many intercontinental destinations non-stop from Doha and other

points in the Middle East without having to stop for refuelling. “The Bombardier Global 5000 Vision

is the private jet of choice for today’s travelling elite. With its extended range, maximum comfort

levels and state-of-the-art technology, our latest aircraft caters perfectly to the requirements of

leaders, who need to be connected to their global businesses around the world in the shortest

amount of time,” Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker said. “With

the recent deliveries of our Global 5000 jets we are well-positioned to accommodate increased

demand during the busy summer travel season and we look forward to serving our customers with

this enhanced product offering,” Executive Vice President, David Edwards added.

…TELEX…ALTITUDES ARABIA JUNE/JULY 2014 …BBJ 787-8 has arrived at the Gore Design Completions (GDC)
14 in San Antonio, Texas and is being outfitted for an undisclosed Middle Eastern customer… ENDS
RC_ARINCDirect-AltitudesArabia_iPad_2014.pdf 1 02/06/2014 08:12
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NEWS TARMAC

JETEX FLIGHT SUPPORT

VELING TAYARA
Dubai-based jet leasing
company opens
One of the many announcements that came out of
EBACE was the launch of the new Dubai-based
executive jet financing company, Veling Tayara.
Former Embraer executives, Ernest Edwards and
Colin Steven branched out into the new venture
which is a subsidiary of Veling Limited, a commercial
aircraft leasing company. The difference with Veling
Tayara (the latter word meaning ‘aircraft’ in Arabic)
however is that they will target five year leases on
three-year old or younger aircraft and particularly
clients in the Middle East, Asia, Africa and the former
Soviet blocs. “Our structured finance model provides
more than just an operating lease package for a
client’s business jet. Instead of tying up an owner’s
cash, an operating lease will permit the owner to
invest in appreciating assets instead of depreciating
capital equipment,” Mr Edwards said. “We believe
there is a service we can provide the business jet-
financing world that places the client in the enviable
position of not having to worry about aircraft
disposal at the end of the lease. At that time, the
operator can have the simple choice of either
extending the lease or returning the aircraft. It’s as
simple as that,” he added.
Enters partnership
with China’s Deer Jet
The Dubai-based flight service company, Jetex Flight
support, has gone into partnership with Deer Jet, a
subsidiary to HNA Group. The agreement was
concluded in Beijing between Adel Mardini, CEO of
Jetex Flight Support, and Zhang Zhi, President of
Deer Jet. The new business is expected to facilitate
the interests of both partners within the global and
domestic business aviation markets. On a global
scale, Jetex will provide logistical support for Deer
Jet through its extensive operational experience and
partnerships, while locally, Jetex will establish a
presence in China through Deer Jet’s FBO facilities.
This will allow direct supervision of the same
exclusive ground handling services as found by
customers in Paris and Kiev. “It is a great pleasure to
cooperate with Jetex Flight Support. We are
convinced that with this partnership both our
business and international influence will rise to a new
height,” Zhang Zhi, President of Deer Jet, said. “We
are extremely pleased about this partnership with
Deer Jet,” stated Jetex Flight Support CEO Adel
Mardini, “Jetex is a truly global company that is
always looking to improve its international network.
China is becoming increasingly important to our
clients so we will be there for them and we will work
hand in hand with Deer Jet to jointly promote the
services of their FBO in China”.

…TELEX…ALTITUDES ARABIA JUNE/JULY 2014 …Embraer's business aviation sales and marketing teams in the Middle East,
16 Africa and Europe will have new leadership following the resignation of vice president EMEA, Colin Steven… ENDS
XP9 News Tarmac-AA36-3_XP News Tarmac-AA36 12/06/2014 15:38 Page17
NASJET
New CEO
The largest private aviation operator in the Middle
East, Saudi-based NasJet, has announced the
appointment of Saad Alazwari as its new CEO. Mr
Alazwari brings a determined drive for innovation,
growth and efficiency in an expanding Middle East
market. “Many operators aspire to deliver discerning
clients superior services, but very few have all the
elements required: talent, assets and most
importantly heritage; NasJet has proven that it has all
three in abundance,” Mr Alazwaari said. “I am greatly
honored to join a dedicated team focused on
delivering outstanding value to our stakeholders. I
join at an exciting time in the company’s history, since
we are celebrating 15-years of operational excellence
and at the same time I am also proud to announce
the delivery of a brand new BBJ3 under
management, which is the seventh BBJ handled by
NasJet.” Welcoming Mr. Alazwari to NasJet, NAS
Holding Group CEO Mr. Sulaiman Al Hamdan said;
“NasJet has become the largest and fastest growing
business aviation company in the Middle East and we
are extremely pleased to have a seasoned business
expert lead the company forward into a new era of
expansion and implement our future plans to exceed
client expectations in order to consolidate NasJet’s
position as the premier private business jet service of
choice.” NasJet is a part of the National Air Services
Group (NAS Holding) a Saudi Arabia based private
company. The company manages and supports 66
fixed-wing aircraft with a fleet value in access of $2
billion. The NasJet core fleet is comprised of Airbus,
BBJ, Gulfstream and Hawker aircraft.
…TELEX…ALTITUDES JUNE/JULY 2014 …Etihad Airways and Mubadala Development Company have entered into
an agreement in which Etihad Airways will acquire Abu Dhabi Aircraft Technologies LLC (ADAT) from Mubadala… ENDS
NEWS TARMAC
MEBAA
New board members
The Middle East and North Africa Business Aviation
Association (MEBAA) has announced that Benoit
Defforge, Managing Director, Airbus Corporate Jets
and Renaud Cloatre, International Sales Director for
Dassault Aviation have been elected to its board to
help represent the needs of manufacturers in the
Middle East and North Africa. “Benoit and Renaud’s
appointment to the board is reflective of the
association’s commitment towards a cohesive
industry that can provide comprehensive support for
the customer,” MEBAA Founding Chairman, Ali Al
Naqbi said. The appointments come at a time when
demand for business aviation manufacturing is at an
all-time high in the Middle East and North Africa, with
an average order of 18 new planes being delivered
each year replacing aircraft, which on average, are
13.5 years old across the region.
ZODIAC
AEROSPACE
Zodiac acquires
Greenpoint Technologies
Zodiac Aerospace has finalised the acquisition of
Greenpoint Technologies. Based in Kirkland,
Washington, with a subsidiary in Denton, Texas,
Greenpoint is a world leader in VIP Cabin interiors for
wide body aircraft and a BBJ Completions Centre.
The company employs 450 people and has an annual
revenues of $150million. Greenpoint Technologies will
further enhance Zodiac Aerospace’s competencies in
Cabin interiors in the domain of VIP and VVIP Cabin
interiors while Zodiac Aerospace, the world leader in
cabin interiors, will support Greenpoint’s development
and bring its skills in cabin certification and its know-
how in design and manufacturing of interiors elements
including monuments, alleys, seats and lighting.
17
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NEWS TARMAC

GREENPOINT
TECHNOLOGIES
Welcomes new
Middle East sales director
VIP completions centre, Greenpoint technologies
has boosted its regional presence with the
appointment of Paul Arends as its new sales
director in the Middle East. Mr Arends joins
Greenpoint after 16 years with Boeing. While at
Boeing he worked in the Boeing Operations
24 hour Support Center as well as Boeing
Commercial Aviation Services (CAS) where he
worked as an Airline Support Engineer. Arends
also worked as a Customer Engineer and
Account Manager for Boeing’s Middle East airline
customers for 10 years. “Paul’s Boeing
background, engineering foundation and
experience in the Middle East makes him an ideal
fit for both our customers and Greenpoint,” said
Scott Goodey Greenpoint’s President and CEO.
“As Greenpoint expands into new markets and
adds increasingly complex projects to its
portfolio, Paul’s experience and enthusiasm will
play a critical role in the organization’s success.”
AMJET
Opens EASA Part 145 for
third party Customers in Athens
The Business Aviation company has decided to offer
technical assistance tailored to its clients during
layover, transits and night-stops within the Hellenic
region. Amjet Executive capability includes Line
Maintenance services on Dassault Falcon in particular
such as F7X, F900 Easy and F2000 Easy. The company
is also planning to increase this capability with
additional types of aircraft in a near future. An AOG
desk is available around the clock to assist operators
and its fleet in Athens Airport or any other airport in
Greece in case of technical assistance or AOG. Amjet
Executive SA offers in addition a full CAMO services
for Dassault Falcon F50, F900, F7X, F2000 Boeing
MD-83 and Gulfstream G200.

AIRBUS
Highlights ACJ319 at EBACE
Airbus took the opportunity at EBACE to show off its ACJ319 which
is operated by K5 Aviation and features seating for 19 passengers in
a cabin with several lounges including one that converts to a
bedroom with ensuite bathroom. “We are in the business of giving
wings to our customers’ lifestyles, which the more capable cabins of
the Airbus ACJ320 Family are better at doing than any other
business jet,” Chief Operating Officer, Customers, John Leahy said.
“This frees customers to do more in the air, whether it’s taking care
of business, spending time with family and friends, or representing
their country,” he added. Airbus has long offered fully customisable
cabins in its corporate jets, and is now also offering a new version,
the ACJ319 Elegance, which offers a modular approach that delivers
simplicity, speed and savings, while preserving the element of choice.

…TELEX…ALTITUDES ARABIA JUNE/JULY 2014 …SR Technics is launching an off-the-shelf interior

18 product for Airbus and Boeing narrow bodies that will shave 30% off the installation time… ENDS
Experience a Unique Getaway

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XP9 News Tarmac-AA36-3_XP News Tarmac-AA36 12/06/2014 15:38 Page20

NEWS TARMAC

AIRBUS
Launches new ACJ319 Elegance
Airbus has launched a new version of its popular corporate jet, the ACJ319, offering customers simplicity, speed
and savings in the cabin. Called ACJ319 Elegance, the new version complements the company’s fully customisable
319. “Airbus corporate jets have always been great at enabling customers to take their lifestyles into the air because
they have the widest and tallest cabins of any business jet,” Chief Operating Officer, Customers, John Leahy said.
“Our new ACJ319 Elegance makes it even easier and quicker for customers to realise the cabin of their dreams by
choosing from a wide range of seating and socialising options,” he said. The Elegance combines today’s ACJ319
airframe with a new cabin which allows customers to choose from a wide range of lounge, office, dining and
conference modules, complemented by a bathroom and galley at the front with a bedroom and ensuite bathroom
at the rear. Cabin outfitting of the Airbus ACJ319 Elegance will be carried out by the company’s Airbus Corporate
Jet Centre (ACJC) subsidiary in Toulouse, which developed the concept as a turnkey project.

BBA AVIATION FLIGHT SUPPORT

New EMEA Managing Director
Mr Mark Johnstone has been appointed as Managing Director EMEA of
BBA Aviation Flight Support. BBA Aviation Flight Support’s EMEA
region is comprised of Signature Flight Support with 25 locations
supporting business and general aviation and Aircraft Service
International Group (ASIG) servicing commercial airlines at 18 airports.
BBA Aviation Flight Support’s EMEA operations are undergoing a
period of significant growth following the recent contract awards for
passenger and ground handling services at London Heathrow’s new
Terminal 2.  The growth of operations at Heathrow will rank ASIG as
the second largest independent employer at the airport, with an over
2,000 strong team of ASIG and Signature Flight Support personnel. Mr
Johnstone has been with BBA Aviation for six years and was most
recently Managing Director of APPH, having previously spent three
years as CFO of Signature Flight Support. He also served as BBA
Group Corporate Development Director and his detailed knowledge of
the BBA Aviation Group and of the Flight Support operations position
him well to lead BBA Aviation’s Flight Support EMEA operations
in the next phase of their development.

…TELEX…ALTITUDES ARABIA JUNE/JULY 2014 …The combined Aircraft Interiors Middle East and MRO Middle East,
20 the two shows will return next year on 2-3 February 2015 at the Dubai World Trade Centre… ENDS
XP9 News Tarmac-AA36-3_XP News Tarmac-AA36 12/06/2014 15:38 Page21
SAUDI PRIVATE AVIATION
Begins intensive
five-year business plan
Saudia Private Aviation (SPA) has embarked on a second
five-year plan this year to improve service and concentrate
on new lines of business. It expects to be a leading player as
the number of Middle East-based private aircraft grows to
around 800 aircraft in 2020. CEO Faisal Kayal said SPA
would focus on four areas: private aircraft leasing;
management and operation; ground services and logistics;
and maintenance. He added that it was putting the final
touches to its new five-year plan. The operator’s plan
focuses on improving its products, expanding its customer
base and raising market share. “Our strategy is centered on
these four points,” he said. During last year’s Dubai Airshow,
Mr Kayal said the company began its planning effort in
2008 and that a new five-year strategic business model
would come into force in 2014. He said that of 400 private
aircraft then operating in the Middle East, 60 percent were
owned directly or indirectly by Saudi businessmen. He
added that SPA was considering a future IPO but admitted
no date had yet been set. As an arm of Saudi Arabian
Airlines dedicated to the private sector, SPA seeks to
contribute to the economic development of the kingdom by
building the infrastructure for private aviation services, and
aims to provide accessibility to airports that are not covered
by the commercial aviation sector in the kingdom and
abroad. According to the Air Charter Guide, the operator’s
core fleet of 10 aircraft comprises four Falcon 7X trijets and
six Hawker 400XPs. The company also has access to other
aircraft in the Saudi Arabian Airlines fleet and can operate
charters on demand using the Embraer 170, Airbus
A320/A330 and Boeing 777 and 747. SPA was set up by the
Saudi national airline in 2009. In 2011, it signed an
agreement with Comlux to develop the VIP charter market
in the Middle East by giving SPA access to the Comlux VIP
fleet operating out of Bahrain. Comlux Middle East’s Bahrain
facility regularly conducts flights to Europe and beyond and
is well positioned at only 25 km over the causeway for
Saudis based in Dammam, Al Khobar and oil-and-gas giant
Saudi Aramco s Dhahran headquarters.
…TELEX…ALTITUDES JUNE/JULY 2014 …Gulfstream held a signing ceremony with Minsheng
Financial Leasing at ABACE for 60 aircraft which is one of the largest in Gulfstream’s history… ENDS
QATAR EXECUTIVE
Boosts Bombardier
maintenance services
Two new maintenance approvals have been awarded
to Qatar Executive from the Bahrain Civil Aviation
Authority for it to conduct line maintenance services
for its Challenger 604s and 605s as well as the
Global series. In addition Qatar Executive recently
received approval from the Civil Aviation Authority
of the Cayman Islands to perform Line and Base
maintenance services on similar aircraft registered in
the Western Caribbean State. With this move, Qatar
Executive’s Technical Operation is responding to the
growing numbers of visiting business jets flying into
Doha on a daily basis as the economy of the
country continues to gain strength. The enhanced
maintenance service upgrade confirms Qatar
Executive’s status as a Bombardier Authorised
Service Facility (ASF) in the Middle East, with its
existing Qatar Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA) and
EASA-Part 145 Line and Base certifications to
support European- and Qatari-registered
Bombardier aircraft. Qatar Airways Chief Executive
Officer His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, who also
heads up the airline’s business jet division, said: “Our
newly granted authorisations expand our
maintenance service portfolio significantly, and will
provide Qatar Executive with the flexibility and
scope to serve regional as well as international
private jet operators from our dedicated hangar
facility in Doha.” For private jet owners in the region,
the enhanced maintenance capability removes the
need to fly their aircraft to distant maintenance
facilities which provides significant cost savings on
ferry flights. Additionally, private jets flying through
Doha can now make efficient use of their stop in
Qatar and have repairs carried out by Qatar
Executive, so that downtime can be minimised.
Qatar Executive’s Executive Vice President David
Edwards said: “The latest maintenance upgrade is an
important step towards establishing Qatar Executive
not just as a leading charter operator, but also as a
premier private jet Maintenance, Repair and
Overhaul Facility in the Middle East.”
21
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NEWS TARMAC

JET AVIATION
Dubai appointed Authorized
Service Station and
Dealer for Satcom Direct
Customers of Satcom Direct in Dubai and
surrounding areas can now go to Jet Aviation Dubai
for their needs including purchase, support,
installation, troubleshooting and upgrades. Jet
Aviation Dubai has been appointed as an authorized
service station and dealer following successful
completion of Satcom Direct training last month. “We
are delighted to work with Satcom Direct to expand
our maintenance capabilities and deliver reliable,
secure and high-quality voice and data services to
our customers,” says Hardy Bütschi, vice president
and general manager at Jet Aviation Dubai.
“Availability of telephone and internet Wi-Fi services
is of major concern to owners and operators of
business jets, and we are committed to ensuring their
Satcom solutions are operating 24/7.” “Partnering
with Jet Aviation Dubai makes a lot of business
sense,” said David Greenhill, Satcom Direct president.
“The award-winning maintenance facility is
committed to the highest quality standards and is
EAN AVIATION
well-known for its personalized, responsive service.
But as an authorized Honeywell service station —
Evergreen Apple’s new name
Honeywell being a key hardware provider for Satcom
systems — the service station status in Dubai also
and branding unveiled
enhances our ability to meet all of our customers’ Evergreen Apple Nigeria presented a new look and feel for
requirements under one roof.” the company at EBACE, changing its name to EAN Aviation.
The brand refresh has been implemented following an
expansion in the type of aviation services offered by the
company and the need to have the name reflect its core
business activity. With the clarification of identity, EAN
Aviation will be well positioned to continue to develop an
internationally recognised aviation business. EAN Aviation
launched as a full service FBO quickly developing local, FAA
and EASA maintenance capabilities while executive aviation
dining provider Wings Inflight catering followed soon after.
At last year’s EBACE the company announced it had signed
a representation agreement with Gulfstream Aerospace (a
General Dynamics Company) which sees EAN Aviation
promoting the sale of new Gulfstream aircraft within
Nigeria. “Since its launch, Evergreen Apple Nigeria has
continued to expand its range of aviation services so we
needed a name that reflected this. The existing name has
regularly been shortened to EAN by the aviation community
so to some extent the process has already begun,” says
Segun Demuren CEO. “However neither the names
Evergreen or EAN indicate that aviation is our principal
activity, so for the sake of clarity we have chosen to rebrand
with a new name that incorporates the term aviation. EAN
Aviation clearly states the sector we are involved in and
builds on a name already familiar within the industry.”

…TELEX…ALTITUDES ARABIA JUNE/JULY 2014 …Abu Dhabi’s Continental Aviation Services (CAS) has been
22 appointed exclusive distributor for the Middle East by United Rotorcraft that’s a Division of Air Methods… ENDS
 CABIN MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
PASSENGERS: 8-10
LARGE OVAL WINDOWS: 19

U NEQUALED ELEGANCE
With the most spacious cabin in the super midsize class, the Gulfstream G280™ is unequaled
for its comfort, conveniences and capabilities. Complementing its beautifully appointed cabin is a
1.85 m
long list of technological innovations and amenities – many originally created for our flagship
Gulfstream G650™. The new G280: super midsized flexibility with a large-cabin feel.

ALLAN STANTON | +971 50 653 5258 | allan.stanton@gulfstream.com | GULFSTREAMG280.com

Height shown is for a fully outfitted cabin
XP9 News Tarmac-AA36-3_XP News Tarmac-AA36 12/06/2014 15:38 Page24

NEWS TARMAC

EXECUJET MIDDLE EAST

Expands Dubai World
Central FBO facility
ExecuJet Middle East has opened an expanded
(FBO) lounge in Al Maktoum International Airport at
Dubai World Central, to support the expected
increase in traffic to the facility over the coming
months. The runways closure at Dubai International
Airport from May 1-July 20 means all general
aviation (GA) traffic is being redirected to Al
Maktoum International Airport during this period.
ExecuJet Middle East’s purpose-built 200m FBO
facility is located next to the GA terminal and
includes a VVIP passenger lounge, crew lounge,
washrooms and showers. Mark Hardman, Operations Director, ExecuJet Middle East says: “We are delighted our FBO
lounge extension at Al Maktoum International Airport is now operational, as the facility enables ExecuJet Middle East
to offer the same high levels of service currently provided at Dubai International Airport.” The FBO facility joins
Execujet’s line station at Dubai’s Al Maktoum International Airport, which offers additional maintenance support
during Dubai International Airport’s runways closure. Execujet Middle East’s award-winning FBO at Dubai
International Airport is the largest dedicated business aviation terminal in the Middle East.

NEXTANT AEROSPACE
Introduces bespoke sub-$10m finance packages
Finding finance for light aircraft has not been easy since the recession, particularly for markets outside of the United
States and Europe. The company behind the world’s only remanufactured business jet, the Nextant 400XTi and the
soon to be launched G90XT turboprop, Nextant Aerospace have announced the formation of Nextant Finance which
will focus on the $2miliion to $10million segment. Launched at EBACE, Nextant Finance is designed to offer
customers an independent platform to match their needs when it comes to buying one of the remanufactured aircraft.
“We will offer financing for both the Nextant 400XTi and G90XT in the US and throughout the world,” said Barry
Woods, Chairman & CEO of Nextant Finance. “Since the start of the recession, it has been difficult for owners and
operators of light jets and turboprops to find financing, leaving a significant and unnecessary void in the market. Our
straightforward yet creative financing vehicles are ideal for those who have struggled to find financing in the US and
around the world.” Nextant Finance terms range from 2 to 20 years. Lease types include capital leases, operating
leases and tax leases. Loan types include fixed or floating rates with fully amortizing or balloon payments. In the US,
Nextant Finance can also facilitate 1031 exchanges to defer capital gains or losses.

…TELEX…ALTITUDES ARABIA JUNE/JULY 2014 …Embraer Executive Jets has delivered a Phenom 300
24 to India’s Joy Jets, a luxury air charter company which currently operates a Phenom 100… ENDS
XP3 Pub Altitudes Guide 2014-AG2014_XP2 Pub Altitudes Guide 2014-AG2014 10/06/2014 10:45 Page1

Don’t miss out on your issue of

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XP9 News Tarmac-AA36-3_XP News Tarmac-AA36 12/06/2014 15:38 Page26

NEWS TARMAC

PRIVATE JET CENTRAL

Expanding into South East Asia
With offices in the Middle East and the United States, UK-
based Private Jet Central is adding another string to its
bow following news that it has launched Private Jet Asia
to cater for the booming South East Asian market.
The charter acquisitions and management business has a
new office in Singapore which will have access to over
10,000 aircraft from its global supply. “South East Asia is
one of the fastest growing markets in private aviation
travel so it was a natural next step for us in terms of
expansion.” says Clive Coombes, CEO of Private Jets Asia.
“The launch marks a very exciting milestone for us and
we’ve been focused on securing contracts and
acquisitions over the past few months, resulting in a healthy pipeline of assets in the region and allowing
us to hit the ground running at launch.” As emerging markets continue to flourish so does the desire for
efficient, hassle-free travel as there are still many locations in Asia that are hard to reach via traditional
routes, especially in countries such as Myanmar. “Private charter aviation is still a relatively new market in
South East Asia but growing in popularity, especially in frontier markets such as Myanmar,” says Andy
Hudson, CEO of Private Jet Central and President of Private Jets Asia. “We believe with our service
offering that we can enhance, as well as out-service, the existing offerings available in this region.”

DASSAULT
AVIATION
New ultra long
range flagship
Falcon 8X
The newest edition to the Falcon family, the 8X was launched during EBACE with promises that it will be the
flagship of the Falcon family when it is delivered from the end of 2016. With its first flight due early next year
and certification around mid-2016, the 8X is expected to offer a range of 6,450 nm (11,945 km) and will feature
the longest cabin of any Falcon. “The Falcon 8X will be our new flagship and a great complement to our
product line,” announced Dassault Aviation Chairman and CEO, Eric Trappier. “It builds on Dassault expertise in
aerodynamics, in precision design and manufacturing, and in advanced digital flight controls. It embodies the
best of Falcons that have come before with the most capability of any Falcon ever.” “With two new aircraft in
development, the 5X and 8X, Dassault will now be able to offer a family of six jets designed to meet the widest
possible range of operator needs at the upper end of the business jet spectrum,” added Trappier.

…TELEX…ALTITUDES ARABIA JUNE/JULY 2014 …Mesinger Jet Sales has been selected to facilitate the
26 Gulfstream and Learjet 60 fleet renewal for Abu Dhabi-based aircraft charter firm Royal Jet… ENDS
XP9 News Tarmac-AA36-3_XP News Tarmac-AA36 12/06/2014 15:38 Page27

NEWS TARMAC

HONDA JET
On schedule with
10 aircraft in production
The latest development in progress of the Honda Jet was

announced at EBACE in Geneva with the company claiming

that the aircraft is ready for ground tests and on target.

“Honda Aircraft Company’s most important goals are

achieving Federal Aviation Administration Type Certification

and delivering the first customer aircraft,” said Honda Aircraft Company President and CEO Michimasa

Fujino. “Our total effort is focused on reaching these much anticipated milestones in the first quarter of

2015.” Production continues its steady pace in advance of entry into service with nine aircraft on the

final assembly line. Four aircraft have been mated to their wings and empennages, and production is on

schedule to have 10 aircraft on the final assembly line this month. The first production aircraft is in final

assembly with the first set of production GE Honda HF120 engines recently delivered to Honda Aircraft.

The engines have been installed and Honda Aircraft will soon begin conducting ground tests on the

airplane. Its first flight is anticipated this summer. The aircraft debuts a new exterior paint scheme in a

deep pearl green with a gold stripe. With its debut, all five exterior color options are represented in the

HondaJet fleet. The deep green finish will be offered in addition to the vibrant silver, red, yellow and

blue exterior colors currently available to appeal to a variety of customer preferences.

…TELEX…ALTITUDES JUNE/JULY 2014 …The Dubai Civil Aviation Authority has announced that the Dubai aviation
safety performance indicators have recorded zero air accident fatalities over the past ten years… ENDS 27
XP9 News Tarmac-AA36-3_XP News Tarmac-AA36 12/06/2014 15:38 Page28

NEWS TARMAC

GAMA AVIATION
New Middle East
North Africa Office
During the Global Aerospace Summit, the

General Aviation Manufacturers Association

(GAMA) announced the opening of a

representative office for the Middle East

and North Africa (MENA) region which will

be co-located with the Middle East and

North Africa Business Aviation Association (MEBAA) in Dubai, UAE. “GAMA is excited to establish

a presence in this important part of the world and to work with our partners at MEBAA to ensure

that business aviation in the region develops to its full potential in an appropriate regulatory

environment that is focused on safety,” said Peter J. Bunce, President and CEO of GAMA. MEBAA

Founding Chairman Ali Al Naqbi added, “We warmly welcome our partners from GAMA, the

world’s leading aviation manufacturing industry association, to this dynamic region. We look

forward to a productive period ahead as we work together to develop new ways of treating

business aviation as the productivity and business tool that it is.”

NEXUS
Fundamentals and IS-BAO Auditor workshops
NEXUS Flight Operations Services is pleased to host the IBAC / IS-BAO Fundamentals and/or IS-BAO
Auditor Workshops to be held 4-5 August 2014 in our Jeddah Headquarters. The International Standard for
Business Aircraft Operations (IS-BAO) comprises a series of international standards and best practices
designed to help business aviation operators worldwide achieve high levels of safety, professionalism and
effectiveness. It is administered by the International Business Aviation Council (IBAC) an international non-
governmental association. The organization represents, promotes and protects the interests of business
aviation in international policy and regulatory forums. In other news, the Gulf Flight Safety Council will have
its next meeting in Doha, Qatar on the 22nd of June 2014. Key Guest Speaker for the meeting is Captain
John Ransom from Safety Operating Systems. He will be presenting two topics that are key concerns in
Aviation Safety today - cause and effects of lithium battery dangers on aircraft and smoke evacuation.
The meeting is an opportunity for safety professionals from regional Operators, Military units, regulators and
Air Service providers to network and share information. This meeting is also the AGM for the GFSC.

…TELEX…ALTITUDES ARABIA JUNE/JULY 2014 …Airbus ProSky, the air traffic management subsidiary of Airbus,
28 has set up a new regional headquarters in the UAE, serving as the focal point for the Middle East and North Africa… ENDS
The most powerful drive: instinct.
The New Flying Spur.
Emirates Dubai Tel: 00971 4294 4492 Emirates Abu Dhabi Tel: 00971 2222 2445 Doha Tel: 00974 4411 4411
Bahrain Tel: 00973 1723 8822 Kuwait Tel: 00965 2473 5199 Beirut Tel: 00961 161 3670 Jeddah Tel: 00966 12606 7323
Riyadh Tel: 00966 1121 73838 Al Khobar Tel: 00966 13814 4443 Oman Tel: 00968 2457 3798 New Delhi Tel: 0091 11241 21616
For further enquiries please call 00973 1619 8827
The name ‘Bentley’ and the ‘B’ in wings device are registered trademarks. © October 2013 Bentley Motors Limited. Model shown: New Flying Spur.
XP9 News Tarmac-AA36-3_XP News Tarmac-AA36 12/06/2014 15:38 Page30

NEWS TARMAC

AIRBUS
A look into
billionaire
buying habits
With the number of billionaires in the Middle East forecast to grow from some 150 in 2007 to around 220 in 2017, Airbus
says it is more important than ever for those doing business with them to have a greater understanding of their
purchasing patterns. According to a recent study commissioned by Airbus and carried out by Ledbury Research of
London, one of the findings is that when billionaires travel, they want to take their lifestyle into the air, and that often
means travelling with an entourage who understand their needs and preferences. The study found that billionaires in the
Middle East favour travel to Europe, including the Mediterranean, which can be reached in flights of just a few hours. It
also showed that differences in billionaires’ buying behaviour can be explained by variations in age, how long they have
possessed wealth, and their geographic region. Billionaires in the Middle East have an average age of 61, for example,
and tend to be focused on passing on their attitudes and values, as well as their wealth. The study also found that luxury
still has a meaning for billionaires, but that it is mostly about having products and services tailored to their needs and
making the best use of their time. “Airbus corporate jets enable larger groups to take their business and social activity
into the air, because their wider, taller and more spacious cabins allow them to carry more people, in more comfort, than
any other business jet,” points out Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers John Leahy. “Company executives, family
groups and government delegations are more easily accommodated in Airbus corporate jets, because they provide the
room for them to continue doing in the sky what they would want to do on the ground,” he added.

INFINITY SUPPORT SERVICES

FlightSafety contract to train Saudi helicopter pilots
Saudi Arabia has been chosen as the first destination in the Middle East to train helicopter pilots using a
FlightSafety International simulator that’s designed and manufactured by Infinity Support Services.
Infinity Support Services “ISS has signed an agreement with FlightSafety International to design, manufacture
and support a full flight simulator and other advanced technology training devices for the ISS Aviation
Academy. The first phase of the agreement includes a Sikorsky S92 full flight simulator. It is expected to enter
service by the end of 2014 and will be the first Sikorsky S92
simulator installed in the Middle East and the fifth in the world.
The simulator will be used to provide training to pilots and other
aviation professionals who will operate and support the S92. In
addition to the simulator, FlightSafety will provide ISS with training
programs, courseware and manuals. FlightSafety will also operate
the S92 simulator for two years and provide training for ISS
simulator technicians. “All of us with FlightSafety International
appreciate the opportunity to support the Infinity Aviation
Academy by providing the latest technology simulation
equipment and highest quality training services,” said Bruce
Whitman President & CEO, FlightSafety International. Recent
studies indicate that the Middle East region will need 20
thousands pilots in the next ten years, which means the rate of
2,000 pilots per year. This academy was established for the
purpose of fulfilling this need for pilots and to support and
develop aviation in KSA.

…TELEX…ALTITUDES ARABIA JUNE/JULY 2014 …Bombardier Aerospace confirmed at ABACE, Minsheng Financial
30 Leasing as the customer which placed an order for 10 Challenger 350 jets last December… ENDS
 P H A N TO M Welcome to a New World
With its classic proportions and powerful presence, Phantom Coupé celebrates sporting style
and glamour, where the journey is almost as memorable as the entrance.
Experience a car with endless possibilities.

Abu Dhabi Motors, Abu Dhabi, UAE Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Doha, Doha, Qatar
Tel: 00971 2 558 2400 www.rolls-roycemotorcars-abudhabimotors.com Tel: 00974 44 20 8887 www.rolls-roycemotorcars-doha.com.qa

AGMC, Dubai, UAE Ali Alghanim & Sons Automotive Co. WLL, Kuwait
Tel: 00971 4 339 1555 www.rolls-roycemotorcars-agmc.com Tel: 00965 184 6464 www.rolls-roycemotorcars-kuwait.com

AGMC, Sharjah, UAE Euro Motors, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain

Tel: 00971 6 544 1111 www.rolls-roycemotorcars-agmc.com Tel: 00973 17 754 754 www.rolls-roycemotorcars-bahrain.bh

Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Al Jenaibi Int’l Automobiles LLC, Muscat, Oman
Tel: 00966 2 664 1389 www.rolls-roycemotorcars-jeddah.com Tel: 00968 2 456 7108 www.rolls-roycemotorcars-oman.com

Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Tel: 00966 1 465 1999 www.rolls-roycemotorcars-riyadh.com

Every Rolls-Royce motor car is provided with a four year unlimited mileage warranty and service package. Terms and conditions apply.

www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com
© Copyright Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Limited 2013. The Rolls-Royce name and logo are registered trademarks.

28574-31 Coupe Altitude 270x228.indd 1 19/09/2013 17:35

XP9 News Tarmac-AA36-3_XP News Tarmac-AA36 12/06/2014 15:38 Page32

NEWS TARMAC

JET AVIATION
Refurbishes and rebrands FBO facilities in Dubai and Jeddah
Jet Aviation’s global refurbishment and corporate rebranding program continues to be rolled out in EMEA and Asia.
The company is currently rebranding its FBOs in Jeddah and in Dubai at Dubai International Airport to integrate the
new corporate look and feel initially launched in Geneva and Zurich last year. With runway construction now underway
at Dubai International Airport, the company is also taking the opportunity to refurbish its Dubai FBO while all FBO, line
maintenance and AOG services are being supported out of the Dubai World Central (DWC) facility. Renovations in
Jeddah are nearly concluded and the opening of the rebranded Dubai International facility is scheduled to coincide
with runway construction completion in July. Jet Aviation Dubai will then resume full maintenance and FBO operations
at Dubai International Airport and continue
providing FBO services from DWC. “Our
goal is to provide a premium customer
experience,” says Monica Beusch, Jet
Aviation’s head of FBO Services in EMEA &
Asia. “These facility upgrades are designed
to provide maximum style and comfort
through enhanced passenger amenities
and customer services. The corporate
branding also serves to present a unified
front at Jet Aviation facilities worldwide,
further assuring customers of our high
quality standards and uncompromising
service levels.” Beginning with the new
Boston/Bedford FBO, the global
refurbishment program will be extended to
the company’s U.S. operations in 2015.
Passengers and crew arriving at Jet
Aviation FBOs in EMEA and Asia will also
soon see a change in the attire of Jet
Aviation personnel, as the company
introduces new uniforms designed to
match those worn at its FBO
facilities in the US.

GAINJET
Expands into Africa
Gainjet is expected to open a new VIP charter operations base in Kigali
(Rwanda) this month as it sets its eyes on supplying the African market with
a true ultra-long range VIP travel experience. As it begins this operation, it
will base in Kigali a 2012 Gulfstream 550. The aircraft can accommodate 14
passengers in luxury with direct satellite TV, fast broadband and has a flight
range of 13.5 hours/6750 nm. The aircraft can link directly the US East Coast
and South East Asia to many African capitals. “There is a lack of true VIP
operators with true VIP aircraft in Africa, especially in the East and Central
African regions,” GainJet President, Captain Ramsey Shaban said.
Kigali is a natural aviation hub which seats at the centre of the continent and
the Government of Rwanda has offered us the right incentives. GainJet Africa
stands to benefit from the friendly business environment created in Rwanda.
“We want to bring to Africa the excellent service that we have been
supplying to both Europe and the Middle-East for over eight years and the
clientele in the continent most certainly deserves such service,” he added.

…TELEX…ALTITUDES JUNE/JULY 2014 …Al Tayyar Travel Group has

32 been awarded with a Certificate of Appreciation by Saudi Arabian Airlines… ENDS
XP9 News Tarmac-AA36-3_XP News Tarmac-AA36 12/06/2014 15:38 Page33

NEWS TARMAC

DASSAULT
5X Fuselage Comes Together
Dassault Aviation has joined the main center fuselage subassemblies of the Falcon 5X, a key

milestone in the production program for this innovative new large cabin twinjet. The 5,200 nm Falcon

5X was unveiled at the National Business Aviation Association Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada last

October and performed its first virtual flight on the simulator last November. It will complete

assembly and begin ground tests this summer. The aircraft will feature the largest cabin cross section

and the most advanced flight controls in the industry. First flight is expected in the first half of 2015

and entry into service mid 2017. The center fuselage subassemblies – the front and rear lower

subassemblies and the upper subassembly – are part of the main center section, which includes the

cabin and baggage hold. They arrived in March at Dassault’s Biarritz plant in southwestern France and

were joined there to the wing center section in mid-April. Later this month, the main center section

will be joined to the forward section, comprising the cockpit, entryway and galley, and the rear

section, which carries the empennage and power plant, forming the complete fuselage.

…TELEX…ALTITUDES JUNE/JULY 2014 …Flying Colours has completed the first of a three
phase plan at its Ontario HQ with a 20,000 sq.ft extension to its existing hangar… ENDS 33
XP News Tarmac-AA36-3.qxp_XP News Tarmac-AA36 16/06/2014 10:15 Page34

NEWS TARMAC

AVIATION LINK
Two ACJs delivered to Saudi Arabia
Airbus Corporate Jet Centre (ACJC) has delivered its 25th and 26th cabins which have gone to Saudi Arabia to be
managed by Aviation Link. The two ACJ319s have undergone a similar cabin completion by ACJC but feature different
decorations and are certified to seat 30 passengers with 83 m2 of floorspace being divided into three main zones, an
executive lounge, a master bedroom with ensuite bathroom, and an area with an office and support staff seating.
“Both aircraft are turnkey projects in which Aviation Link has managed the acquisition, the interior design, completion
management and eventual operation of the aircraft,” says Aviation Link, President and CEO Abdulaziz Al Rowaished.
“Airbus Corporate Jet Centre has provided two aircraft with exceptional interiors of a very high standard and our
customers, which demand the best, are very satisfied” he added. Aviation Link manages and operates one of the largest
privately owned fleets of Airbus aircraft in the world. “It was great to have the challenge of completing two similar aircraft
with different themes and color schemes, and having demanding customers helps to keep us striving for the very best,”
says ACJC Managing Director Benoit Defforge. Each Airbus ACJ319 welcomes its guests with a wide, executive lounge,
featuring club-four seating and a beautiful inlaid dining table, surrounded by a divan and two more leather seats.
The lounge features a High-Low 42 inch high-definition (HD) liquid crystal display (LCD) screen, discretely mounted in a
long wood-decorated housing. There are two more 32 inch HD LCD screens forward and aft, allowing passengers to
watch TV from any angle. Tasteful colors blend with the wool and silk carpet patterns. The middle area is dedicated to a
master bedroom with ensuite bathroom and HD LCD screen. The aft zone comprises a cosy office equipped with club-
four seating and a sofa, plus an area for support staff area with 12 seats.

…TELEX…ALTITUDES JUNE/JULY 2014 …The Middle East’s US$500 million private aviation sector revenues is expected to triple
34 in value if governments, legislators and private jet operators join forces to ensure proper regulation, MEBAA says… ENDS
 Altitudes_W Motors Artwork-HD.pdf 1 07/10/13 12:34

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XP9 News Tarmac-AA36-3_XP News Tarmac-AA36 12/06/2014 15:38 Page36

NEWS TARMAC

AMAC AEROSPACE
Completes ACJ319 for first Chinese client
Switzerland-based AMAC Aerospace, has been awarded its first completion contract from an Asian-based client. The
aircraft, an ACJ A319 will undergo a complete nose to tail completion using designs provided by world renowned
interior designer Alberto Pinto. The completion project is anticipated to start in summer and will be re-delivered by Q2
2015. This will be the third A319 that AMAC has worked on but only the first time it will have worked on behalf of an
Asian client. The work will be carried out at the EuroAirport Basel, Switzerland, in one of AMAC’s purpose built state-of-
the-art hangars. The new aircraft interior will utilise exclusive materials such as mother of pearl paint for the exterior,
earth colour leathers for the interior furnishings, black lacquers for top and side surfaces and champagne gold satins for
plating, that have been designed to combine harmoniously to meet VVIP style standards. Carbon fibre elements
including seats, sofas, side ledges and tables to name a few will be used for interior style accents. The interior will
feature 10 business class seats, night configuration for sleeping, 1x VIP shower, 2x VIP lavatories, VIP Aft Galley to name
but a few details. “Alberto Pinto has built a reputation for creating interiors that showcase an environment in a manner
that reflects the personality of the owner and we are looking forward to translating these high-end quality designs into
a beautiful interior on behalf of our client. “It is also extremely exciting for us that we will be applying our expertise to
an aircraft from the Asia region. Once completed, AMAC expects this to be one of the finest, most technologically
capable aircraft in the world,” Bernd Schramm, Group Chief Operation Officer for AMAC said.

HAITEC
VIP maintenance launched at EBACE
Haitec Aircraft Maintenance launched a new subsidiary of its business during EBACE which
will operate from Erfurt Airport. “We are proud to launch Haitec VIP Maintenance”, Brett
Dutton, Senior Vice President VIP Maintenance at Haitec said. “We have a hangar with
4.300 sqm dedicated to our VIP customers and it is our objective to create a high quality
VIP facility with the highest international standards and services,” he said. Currently, Haitec
VIP Maintenance, an EASA-Part 145 organization, has approvals for Gulfstream G550 and
nearly all type of Boeing and Airbus aircraft. “We also have approvals from Russia, Qatar,
the United Arab Emirates, Bermuda and Azerbaijan”. Beside the standard Line and Base
Maintenance, Haitec VIP Maintenance will concentrate on cabin refurbishment and interior
design applications. “We already are in preparation for further approvals on Gulfstream
G450, Bombardier Global/Challenger and Citation jets,” Dutton said.

…TELEX…ALTITUDES JUNE/JULY 2014 …Lufthansa Technik are offering two new products for VIP aircraft cabins,
36 a steam shower and an on board oxygen generation to enhance comfort and wellbeing on board VIP aircraft… ENDS
XP Pub Touch Adriatic-AA35_XP Pub Riviera Concierge Service-AA35 09/04/14 17:20 Page1

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XP Shopping-AA36.qxp_XP Shopping-AA36 12/06/2014 15:24 Page38

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■ Mujjo Beach towel dhs148
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Crafted out of a unique combination of felt and www.mini.com
vegetable-tanned leather, these sleeves designed for
MacBook’s, iPads and iPhones are a classy and practical
accessory. The slim fit sleeves are designed for iPhone
5s, iPad Mini and iPad Air while the 13’’ MacBook folio is
designed to fit all 13’’ MacBooks.
13’’ MacBook Air sleeve – Black dhs249.59
Slim Fit iPad Air Sleeve – Tan dhs353.65
Leather iPhone 5s Wallet Case – Tan dhs187
www.mujjo.com

By Damien Reid
XP Shopping-AA36.qxp_XP Shopping-AA36 12/06/2014 15:24 Page39

SHOPPING

■ Bentley Motors
At Home With Bentley
Designed and manufactured
in collaboration with Luxury
Living Group, the Bentley
Motors collection is inspired
by the craftsmanship and
materials that characterise
the interiors of Bentley
luxury road cars.
The range consists of the
Minster Sofa, the Butterfly
Sofa and Armchair, the
Kensington Royal Armchair,
the Madeley Table and the
Ambassador Cabinet.
From dhs31,700 (Butterfly
Armchair) to dhs84,780
(Madeley Table)
www.bentleymotors.com

■ Shopping
■ Mandarina Duck
Cool Black fragrances
Mandarina Duck Cool Black is about strong
sensations, extreme sports, speed and the
intensity of life in the great outdoors. Red and
black are the colours which define the fragrance.
They are strong and expressive tones with red
symbolising modernity, energy and action while
black evokes elegance and strength.
100ml - Dhs287
www.mandarinaduck.com

■ The Left Shoe Company

3D scanned tailored shoes
The Left Shoe Company combines European craftsmanship with 3D
scanning technology to handcraft made-to-measure shoes. The
collection includes formal, casual and golf shoes. A scanner creates
a 3D model of the client’s feet before the client chooses the model,
leather, sole material and a personal inscription is desired.
The Byron with skate skin dhs6795
The Brummell with crocodile skin dhs10,700
www.leftshoecompany.com

39
 MIDDLE EAST

tHe App tHAt CoULD CHANGe tHe WoRLD / ONE HUNDRED yEARS Of MASERATI / DeNiM FoR tHe MoDeRN MAN /
TOO SMALL TO QUALIfy: fOOTBALL’S UNDERDOgS / WiSe WoRDS FRoM ALoe BLACC / PLUS: STyLE, TIMEPIECES AND...
JUNE 2014

ISSUE 26 - June 2014 - Bahrain 3 BHD - Jordan 5.80 JOD - KSA 30 SAR - Kuwait 2.50 KWD - Lebanon 12,500 LBP - Oman 3.15 OMR - Qatar 30 QAR - UAE 30 AED

A
There are
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He is at his
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THE PREMIER LUxURy MAgAZINE fOR MEN

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Without him,
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26
DeStiNy
It’s all or nothing for the world’s best footballer
June 2014 - UAE 30 AED

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EME26-Cover.indd 1 6/4/14 10:58 AM

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CARS, YACHTS, WATCHES, ART, ADVENTURE, HOTELS, STYLE…

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XP Timepieces-AA36.qxp_XP Timepieces-AA36 12/06/2014 15:25 Page41

TIMEPIECES

New themes on the great classic

Deep beauty
Dive watches are engineering
masterpieces built to withstand the
harshest conditions on earth, even if
the closest most of them get to
getting wet is a rare urban downpour

Girard-Perregaux
Sea Hawk
A timepiece born in the 1940s, it became an icon,
and this latest edition is embued with all the
technology of the 21st century and the legacy of
the maison established in 1791. It has an avant-
garde, athletic and sophisticated design that leaves
no room for compromise. It is water resistant to
1,000m, much greater than the depths a human
can safely dive to, and has a helium valve for
decompression and a unidirectional anti-clockwise
bezel for calculating dive time. The 48.90mm case
is available in steel with sapphire crystal and its
mechanical self-winding movement GP03300-0074
has a power reserve of 46-hours. Distinguishing
feature: under this limited edition Girard-Perregaux
supports the Rockefeller Foundation’s ”Protect
what is precious” project.

By Isabelle Garnerone
XP Timepieces-AA36.qxp_XP Timepieces-AA36 12/06/2014 15:25 Page42

TIMEPIECES

IWC
Aquatimer Chronograph Edition “50 Years Science for Galapagos”
It’s been a big year for IWC. The Swiss watch house completely overhauled its Aquatimer collection,
with the most striking technical development of the new timepieces being the inclusion of internal and
external rotating bezels with the SafeDive IWC system. The 44mm stainless steel case is rubber coated
and engraved with a tribute to the 50th anniversary of the Charles Darwin Research Station in the
Galapagos. It features a mechanical chronograph movement caliber 89365 and is waterproof to 300m.
Released in a limited edition of 300. Distinguishing feature: supporter of the Charles Darwin Foundation
and its research station, which conducts scientific research on the challenges of the Galapagos Islands.

42
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TIMEPIECES

Cartier
Calibre de Cartier Diver
This dive watch was required to meet quite a
challenge, to be both a performance-level
sports watch and a dressy, elegant timepiece.
It is the latest addition to the 2010-launched
Calibre de Cartier collection and features
Cartier’s first in-house automatic movement,
the 1904 MC. Housed in a 11mm-deep case, it
is one of the slimmest diver’s watches on the
market. The timepiece also has a bidirectional
winding system. The case itself is 42mm and
available in steel or rose gold and is engraved
with the words “Diver’s watch 300m”. It has a
power reserve of 48 hours. Distinguishing
feature: the oversized luminescent XII.

43
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TIMEPIECES

Jaeger–Lecoultre
Deep Sea Chronograph Cermet
The aesthetics of the casing for this timepiece is
directly inspired by the famous Memovox Deep
Sea 1959, which was the first diving watch
equipped with an alarm. It was intended to
indicate the end of the divers immersion time as
set to the amount of oxygen left in the tank,
which was useful at a time when dive equipment
was very rudimentary. This latest reiteration of
the iconic model takes technology a step further
with a 44mm reinforced cermet case, which is a
mix of ceramic and metal that is lighter than
titanium. It features an automatic mechanical
movement, caliber JLC 758, with a power reserve
of 65-hours and is water resistant to 100m.
Distinguishing feature: provides financial support
for the defence and preservation of UNESCO
World Heritage marine sites.

44
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TIMEPIECES

Blancpain
X Fathoms
The X Fathoms is the undisputed king of the Blancpain dive watches and is inspired by the iconic Fifty
Fathoms. Combining the pedigree of old with the technology of today, including a mechanical depth
gauge, it is a high-performance mechanical diving watch. It features all of the following: a mechanical
depth gauge, amorphous metal membrane, depth indication on two scales, maximum depth memory
with secured reset pusher, retrograde 5-minute counter, seconds, matte black dial, one-way rotating
bezel, decompression valve, articulated rubber strap, and a self-winding movement. Its 55.65mm case
is in brushed titanium and its mechanical movement with automatic winding caliber 9918B with
3 barrels ensures a power reserve of 5 days. It is waterproof to 300m. Distinguishing feature: it was
used in a historical mission to document the demise of the prehistoric Gombessa fish, which became
extinct 65-million years ago. The mission included multiple dives to more than 120m every day.

45
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YACHTING

LOA: 72.10m (236’) • Beam: 12.60m (41’ 3’’) • Draft: 3.70m (12’ 1’’) • Construction type: Steel/Aluminum
Gross Tonnage: 2,114 GT • Maximum speed: 17-knots • Range at 12-knots: 5,500nm
Engines: 2 x 2,680 hp Caterpillar 3516B tier II • Exterior design: Espen Oeino • Interior Design: Michela Reverberi
Naval Architecture: Laurent Giles • Builder: VSY (Viareggio Superyachts, Italy)

By Craig Barnett Images Massimo Listri, Guillaume Plisson, Beppe Raso &VSY
XP Yachting Viareggio Super Yachts 72m Stella Maris-AA36.qxp_XP Yachting Viareggio Super Yachts 72m Stella Maris-AA36 12/06/2014 15:25 Page47

YACHTING

A different level

Stella Maris 72 M
With split-level decks and sole to
ceiling glazing, some of Stella
Maris’s appealing attributes are
clear to see. What is not
immediately apparent however is
the degree of engineering
sophistication and environmental
responsibility she possesses, both
of which elevates VSY’s latest
launch to another level altogether.

As we make the short trip out to where

Stella Maris rides her anchor with des-
igner, Espen Oeino, one of the me-
gayacht sector’s busiest designers,
we’re struck by her strong masculine
presence, a style usually favored by re-
latively young Russian owners. Appea-
ring planted firmly on the water, she
exhibits a sense of gravitas, and this is
subconsciously reinforced by the fact
that her full beam is possessed at the
waterline and a subtle tumblehome
slopes inward to the main deck. Above
this the angled facets of the superstruc-
ture cleverly conceals the features that
make her truly unique; her split-level
decks. Circling the yacht in the tender,
evidence of the owner’s encourage-
ment to Espen to push the envelope is
immediately evident. From her unusual
but pleasing blunted bow, through the
oversized portholes and into the ex-
panses of sole to ceiling lateral glazing,
she’s an original and well-executed des-
ign. In fact, so well proportioned is Stella
Maris, one only appreciates the dimen-
sions of the glazing when a crewmem-
ber passes in front to provide a sense of
scale. Admiring her metallic grey paint-
work, Lorenzo Cerulli, VSY Sales and
After Sales Manager, explains how
achieving the finish was one of the big-

47
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YACHTING
The winter garden feature (right)
is a unique and welcoming touch.
It was meant to house tall bamboo
grass and extends through the
deck to the sky lounge above. At
present it's split into three levels
gest challenges the yard faced, yet gai-
ned the largest satisfactions from the
result. “We used a Dupont paint system
and as with all large yachts she was
painted in sections. With a metallic
paint however you can’t buff out where
the sections meet, so we had to be me-
ticulous with the color match. The result
was worth the hard work.”
ALL ABOARD
Boarding Stella Maris via one of the
platforms created by her twin lateral ga-
rage terraces, we note how the teak
lined area offers a full 6’ 8” (2.10m) hea-
droom which increases dramatically as
one steps down into the twin tender
48
stowage area. Converting into a disco-
theque if so desired, the wide access
through to the beach club area creates
a contiguous space. The beach club
proper is completed with a towel desk,
rainforest showerhead and a retractable
letterbox re-boarding ladder. It’s the
perfect shaded retreat for parents to
keep an eye on younger guests. Making
our way up directly into the cockpit via
the portside companionway, we disco-
ver a large social area. Furnished with
banquettes, cocktail tables and wet bar
facilities, it makes for a natural reception
area. Despite their considerable size,
deck hardware including the capstans,
cleats and fairleads are unobtrusive, or
maybe that’s because we’re so distrac-
ted by the wall of tinted glass that to-
wers almost 10’ (3m) above us. Seeing
our reaction, Espen laughs. “Yes the
glass plates are enormous, so it ob-
viously took some work to redirect the
stresses and loads.” With an absence of
visible mullions and the aft quarters of
the main salon cut at an angle, we anti-
cipate fantastic panoramic views from
the inside. As the architecturally propor-
tioned electric doors swish open, we’re
not disappointed. Greeted by a recep-
tion lobby and portside bar, conve-
niently placed for serving the salon and
the cockpit, this area can be partitioned
off or left open plan to continue seam-
lessly through into the salon.
Here guests enjoy an airy space with a
barely perceptible change in lighting
from the shaded exterior, in fact not a
single electric light needs to be swit-
ched on in the salon during the day. No-
body can possibly venture aboard Stella
Maris and fail to be impressed by the 8’
9” (2.70m) headroom. Tearing ourselves
away from the cinematic view of Monte
Carlo to port and the shimmering co-
balt sea stretching to the horizon on
starboard, we notice the winter garden
feature. Originally conceived to house
tall bamboo grasses, the winter garden
extends through the deck to the sky
lounge above, at present however it is
split into two levels.
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YACHTING

On the port side of the main salon re-

sides a glass dining table, and while no
doubt suitable for formal dinners, it
functions equally as well as an informal
social hub. As we settle on a sofa for a
coffee, with the low bulwarks ensuring
our view remains uninterrupted, Espen
points out the acoustic qualities.
“With all these hard surfaces, the win-
dows and absence of fitted carpeting,
the aural effect is quite different from
what you’d expect, and that’s some-
thing we’re pleased with. We put consi-
derable effort into computer simula-
tions and analysis of its acoustic
behavior during operation and at an-
chor.” Taking up the challenge of sound
and vibration reduction, VSY left no
stone unturned. Before even cutting "With all these hard surfaces, the windows
metal they consulted with suppliers to and absence of fitted carpeting, the aural effect
ensure components, systems and mate-
rials would achieve desired results. “We
is quite different from what you'd expect."
worked with specialist consultants, iso-
lating and absorbing sound and vibra- of the gearbox. We note how the en- TOUR AND EXPLORE
tion,” explains Lorenzo Cerulli. gines are mounted onto ‘raft’ structures Moving through the central lobby we
“We even worked with the glass sup- that ‘float’ on rubber vibration suppres- step down to the guest accommoda-
plier to come up with a special glass sion pads. Wherever possible, equip- tion deck. With four doubles – which in-
sandwich. At 1,600rpm normal glass ment and ducting is also mounted and clude additional Pullman bunks – and
would make too much noise, so the la- suspended from the deck below, rather two convertible twins, their equal sizing
minate includes a layer of a specific than the deck above, thus preventing a demonstrates the possibility for charter
density glass to counteract that.” Varia- transfer of vibration to guest areas. As was considered in their design. Each
ble pitch propeller systems were selec- a result, noise levels throughout the cabin features three oversized por-
ted, and double elastic joints isolate the yacht are some of the lowest we’ve ex- tholes with two of equal dimensions in
shaft and thrust bearing from vibration perienced. the ensuite... a quick glance at a profile

49
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YACHTING

The owner's stateroom gives off the feeling of a private

apartment offering unhindered forward views with suitably
decadent en-suites including a jet tub and rainforest shower

photograph of the yacht enables one to

determine the accommodation layout.
The portholes afford wonderful views
from both the pillow and the shower,
with electric blinds to protect modesty
when in port. As throughout the yacht,
flat panel joinery and concealed lighting
contribute to the clean, contemporary
styling. While quality materials and de-
tails abound on Stella Maris, being built
‘on- spec’ Italian interior designer Mi-
chela Reverberi has intentionally, and
cleverly, created a ‘blank canvas’ upon
which potential owners can impress
their own tastes and personality. The
styling is contemporary and simplistic,
yet small details are used to engender a
sense of luxury that can be further en-
hanced at a later date. The marble from
which the vanity surfaces and hand ba-
sins in the ensuites are hewn is one such
example as are the brushed leather li-
ners on staircase handrails. The details
introduce a subconscious sensory expe-

50
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rience on occasion, gently reminding
one they’re on a luxury yacht. Returning
to the central lobby that houses a cen-
tral glass elevator serving all decks, the
shipyard’s manager explains how the
freestanding platform moves within a
glass tube and features invisible beams
that halt operation if one inadvertently
strays too close to the sides. It’s also
convenient for wheelchair access. Given
the split-level nature of Stella Maris’s
deck plans, both the guest and service
elevators feature front and rear access.
The opportunity to select from one of
the seven ‘floors’ is a subliminal trigger
to believing one is on a yacht of larger
dimensions.
THE GREEN MACHINE
Exiting in the sub-level, below the wa-
terline to peruse the engineering
spaces, VSY’s determination to lead
yacht builders in the production of en-
vironmentally responsible craft be-
comes evident.
In the engine room the exhaust ducting
is clad in a heat capture system. This
provides warm water for a variety of
purposes, from helping reduce genera-
tor loads by heating the water for the
sundeck Jacuzzis, to providing warm
washdown for the yacht’s exterior and
reducing the water required to rinse salt
off. This includes washing down teak
decks fabricated from certified respon-
sibly harvested sources, part of VSY’s
"After the split-level decks, breathtaking salon and technical sophistication of Stella Maris,
we weren't sure we could be surprised again as we headed up to the sundeck, again we were wrong."
commitment to the ‘Wood Forever’ ini-
tiative. Amongst the laundry facilities,
engineers control room, cold storage,
garbage freezers and neatly accompli-
shed technical spaces, Lorenzo Cerulli
points out the yacht’s blackwater treat-
ment plant. “Entirely biological and che-
mical free. “This machine is fantastic,
there’s just two discs turning inside, so
there’s nothing to break. The results are
remarkable too. OK, I wouldn’t drink a
glass of the water that comes out but if
I were to offer you a glass alongside one
filled with mineral water you wouldn’t
tell the difference. “You could use it to
wash the boat if you so desired. It’s sys-
tems like this, along with being fitted
with particle filters and Tetravalent ca-
talysts on the engines and generators,
CFC-refrigerators, Flouropolimer anti-
fouling and garbage pollution preven-
tion, that prove her green credentials.
Stella Maris was built to Lloyd’s Register
Environmental Safety standards and
was also awarded by RINA Green Plus
Platinum, which is a great achievement.”
UPPER CLASS
The split-level arrangement of Stella
Maris once more comes into play with
the unusual location of the wheelhouse.
The half-bridge deck is situated below
the owner’s staterooms, so while it is
raised above main-deck level and enjoys
commanding views over the forward
technical area, it is not the elevation one
YACHTING
traditionally expects. Visibility is not im-
pinged upon however, and a sophistica-
ted CCTV network supplements the
wing stations used for close quarter
maneuvering. The wheelhouse is a com-
fortable work environment, with dark
leather surfaces absorbing light rather
than reflecting it. Touchscreen monitors
are arranged in two banks, and there’s
a separate office for the yacht’s com-
munications officer. Despite being cer-
tified for paperless operation, those
who find it difficult to turn their back on
the dividers and ruler will be heartened
by the presence of a chart table.
Stella Maris is undoubtedly a 21st Cen-
tury yacht and her artificial intelligence
is almost biological in nature. A skin of
no less than 2,400 different monitoring
systems covers her vital organs, feeding
back information on her health through
a fibre-optic central nervous system to
the Captain and Chief Engineer. Des-
igned to be as ‘future-proof’ as possible,
each deck of the yacht features a server
room and the yacht’s fiber-optic
neurological system is capable of hand-
ling an incredible amount of information
and upgrades to connected hardware.
The domestic system for guests utilizes
the same information highway but
channels information back to the Chief
Steward. Full ‘room service’, entertain-
ment and environmental features can
be individually controlled by the guest
or centrally by the Steward. Closing the
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YACHTING

Versatility is key with features like these glass partitions that can move to create
a secluded indoor dining area or they can be folded back to allow it to become part of the aft deck.

blinds, turning down a/c, ordering a film
or a snack, it’s all there at the touch of a
button. In fact, guests can also be pat-
ched into the yacht’s CCTV system,
which is of such hi-resolution we could
zoom in and see the occupants of our
favorite waterside table in Monte Carlo!
Not all the toys onboard are for the
guests however. Equipped with the
commercial Kongsberg K-POS system,
which combines the GPS with a 260kW
Van der Velden bow thruster and
350kW Shottel jet stern thruster (arti-
culating 360-degrees), not only is slow
speed maneuverability ensured, but
also zero speed. The system combines
to offer a Dynamic Positioning (DP)
that can hold the yacht on a position
and heading with accuracies of up to
three inches! This avails the captain of
advantages in many different situations:
during helicopter landing and take off,
for fast and efficient tender launch and
recovery, creating a leeway for tenders
in rough conditions, holding station in
areas where anchor deployment is dan-
gerous or not permitted, and even for
creating a load bank for perfect loading
of the generators.
WORK AND PLAY
After a serious mental work out in the
wheelhouse, we headed back to Stella
Maris’ more relaxing environs, which aft
of the bridge deck includes a sizeable
gym equipped with a dozen or so
pieces from Technogym. Doors open to
either side to allow a refreshing breeze
to blow through, or a separate massage
area can be portioned off. With a ham-
man and steam shower room also inclu-
ded, the wellness area is complete and
well appointed.
Next we headed up to the owner’s sta-
terooms. Away from the technical area
– where the owner may be disturbed by
crewmembers – the higher vantage
point improves privacy and views. Ente-
ring through a dressing chamber, the
mirror-backed door closes behind to
seal off the area and engender a very
real sense of being in a private apart-
ment. The forward facing berth enjoys
unhindered views through more full
height glazing, unless the TV that re-
tracts into the headliner is deployed.
Suitably decadent en-suites for an
owner of this status are distributed in
separate ‘his and hers’ facilities, with
one featuring a huge jet tub and the
other a ‘party-sized’ shower.
A door to port provides access to a pri-
vate forward terrace, just the place to
enjoy a cigar or company in seclusion.
Aft of the owner’s staterooms, and
down half a deck, lies the sky lounge.
Featuring the same full height glazing,
the winter garden and views over low
bulwarks, the occupants enjoy modern

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‘skyscraper living’ on the sea. Where the
majority of TVs elsewhere on the yacht
are secreted away, here the 60” screen
is fixed, but its auxiliary sound system
retracts into the headliner when not in
use. Served by a custom made sofa
that’s backrest can be flipped for facing
either way, it makes for a natural cinema
area. Again, the sky lounge is very much
a blank canvas in terms use, but what’s
important is the essential building
blocks for a highly versatile space. One
can’t imagine how versatile however,
until they venture aft. Here clear glass
partitions can be arranged to create an
indoor/ outdoor dining area.
Whether the dining area is opened up
to be a part of the aft deck or closed to
be secluded from it, the space can still
be described as munificent.
There’s plenty of space for freestanding
deck furniture, and in another delicate
touch Espen has dropped a shallow ‘V’
into the coaming to improve the guests
connection with the receding wake. As
an indication of thoughtful continuity
on this yacht, this V is detailed in the
frame of the dining table.
Such details abound and in most cases
offer improved practicality as well as
aesthetics. Take the double rail that tops
the guardrail for instance, not only is the
circumference more useful than a wide
capping rail, one instinctively leans on it
and feels like they’re on a glamorous
ocean liner of yesteryear. The same fee-
ling comes from the wide gangways,
the width of which brings to mind the
promenade decks of an ocean liner.
After the split-level decks, breathtaking
salon and technical sophistication of
Stella Maris, we weren’t sure we could
be surprised again as we headed up to
the sundeck, again we were wrong.
Multi-levels are at work again, and even
though it’s just a step higher than the
fore section, the height of the central
bar area means the bow does not im-
pinge on the sweeping vistas. Stepping
forward we notice Espen has incorpo-
rated very neat shaded ‘snug’ areas in
the superstructure, complete with sli-
ding windows to allow a breeze if des-
ired. Glass panels in the hardtop roof
also soften the usually stark demarca-
tion between sun and shade and the aft
section hides concealed partitions that
can be closed to provide shelter from
the breeze while underway.
Glass guardrails, wraparound sofas and
freestanding deck furniture occupy the
forward section of the sundeck, and
heading aft one drops down a short
staircase flanked by two Jacuzzi tubs to
arrive at the helideck. But this is no or-
dinary helideck. Believing in doing
things properly, VSY has elected to
meet the exacting standards required
for this to qualify as a fully certified HCA
helideck. Capable of accommodating
an EC-135 Eurocopter – or similar air-
craft up to 2.9-tonnes – and certified for
day and night operation, we enquired
what exactly was required to meet the
HCA’s specifications? Espen pointed
out several of the key features.
“Concealed within the deck is a pop-up
automated fire suppression system and
the gutter surrounding the deck has a
specialist drainage system.”
Most yachts drain deck runoff through
conduits inside the superstructure, and
in the event of a helicopter crashing, no-
thing is surer to curtail your yacht ow-
nership experience that burning Av-gas
running inside your boat! Espen conti-
nued, “The structural integrity of the he-
lideck has also been reinforced to
sustain both vertical and horizontal
hard landings, and the ‘geometric cone’
of the non-obstruction zone was also
carefully calculated for the Eurocopter
135.” Apart from being assured of ope-
rational safety, being certified means
Stella Maris’s helideck is cleared for
commercial use, and can therefore be
used by charter guests.
YACHTING
CONCLUSION
As we conclude our tour of Stella Maris
one can’t help but be impressed by the
magnificent volume of this 72m, it ge-
nuinely feels like a vessel of considera-
bly longer length. Boasting a colossal
2,114 GT, we mentally compared that
with the 1,890 GT of the 72m CRN Az-
teca and 72m Kogo from Alstom Ma-
rine, 1,595 GT of Delta’s 73m Laurel and
1,380 GT of the 73m Siren from Nobis-
krug. The real estate available on Stella
Maris is truly extraordinary, with the
headroom no doubt contributing consi-
derably to the impression she creates,
as well as her vital statistics. Stella Maris
demonstrates the high levels of sophis-
tication of which VSY are capable, with
only their third launch.
They’ve not played it safe and produced
a traditional yacht, but instead pushed
to successfully achieve numerous engi-
neering challenges, ones that many
more experienced yards would balk at.
Add to this the green aspirations of the
yard, which is a true commitment to en-
vironmental responsibility and not a
marketing ruse, and one can’t help but
feel that this yacht is special.
Editor’s Note: Stella Maris was allowed
to navigate in the Cinque Terre Marine
Park for scientific research purposes wi-
thin VSY’s sustainability project for our
opening image. ■
The wheelhouse is a comfortable
environment with dark leather
surfaces, touchscreen monitors
arranged in two banks and even
chart table for the traditionalists.
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SPOTLIGHT

The Next Phase

Alpha Star
Saudi Arabia’s Alpha Star has been making waves in the
private aviation industry across the region in its relatively short life
and is showing no signs of easing as it invests in future upgrades

A recent raft of announcements by
Riyadh-based Alpha Star Private Avia-
tion during the past month including
obtaining the first Saudi-certified part
135 Airbus ACJ318 confirms the com-
pany’s rapid growth since it opened its
doors back in 2010.
Its ACJ318 which is part of a fleet that
also comprises an ACJ319 and ACJ320,
a Gulfstream G550 a Hawker 900 XP
and an ATR 42 was added to the air
operators certificate issued by Saudi’s
Civil Aviation Authority, making it the
first of its type to reach Saudi’s part 135
safety standards.
“We pride ourselves on having a mo-
dern and efficient fleet, adding value
and providing innovative technologies
to our Airbus 318 which all helps us to
continue satisfying our valuable clients,”
Chief Executive Officer, Salem Abaid Al
Muzaini said.
The ACJ318 is fitted with a live TV sys-
tem that receives programs via U.S., Eu-
ropean, Arabsat and Nilsat satellites as
well as airborne Internet speeds of up
to 4.5 Mbps.
The entertainment system is connected
through a series of mini iPads which can
be used as controllers along with an

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SPOTLIGHT

elite screen configuration with seven HD and is the first ACJ320 owner to under-
screens in sizes up to 42-inches. take an in-service retrofit carried out by
The cabin can be managed by the pas- Airbus Corporate Jets.
senger using a CCC system which The upswept fins attached to the wing-
controls all the cabin’s lighting, screens, tips are expected to save four per cent
blue-ray player, global DVD and a six in fuel consumption while also enhan-
CD changer. In addition to this news, cing the aircraft’s performance and ap-
the company has also obtained Certifi- pearance. The operation is expected to
cation in Quality Management and be carried out in 2016 and the retrofit
Quality Services under the ISO 9001: comprises local structural reinforce-
2008/AS9110B:2012 standards. Alpha ment of the outer wing, a software up-
Star claims to be the only Part 125/Part grade to several flight-control
135 Aviation Company in the Middle computers and replacement of the
East and obtained the Certification in existing wingtips by Sharklets. “Adding
Quality Management and Quality Ser- Sharklets to our Airbus ACJ320 will
vices under the ISO 9001:2008/ help us to keep our fleet modern and
AS9110B:2012 standards. efficient as well as improving our day to
It has accomplished the certifications in day operations,” Mr Al Muzaini said.
six months compared to the regular two “Sharklets are the latest and most visi-
years it normally takes. Alpha Star is al- ble signs of something that we have
ready certified by the Saudi Arabian Ge- been doing ever since Airbus was born,
neral Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) which is to innovate using the latest
under GACA – Part 125 Part 135 and technology whenever it brings worth-
Part 145 Line Maintenance and Interna- while benefits,” Airbus Chief Operating
tional Standard for Business Aircraft Officer, Customers, John Leahy said.
Operations (IS-BAO). “It’s this approach, building on innovative
In its attempt to achieve the highest new designs, that ensures that Airbus
Chief Executive Officer,
quality standards, the company took continues to deliver the most modern
Salem Abaid Al Muzaini
the decision to achieve ISO 9001:2008 aircraft family to its customers,” he
has worked hard to
for “Flight Operations” & Air Ambu- added. Alpha Star’s entire fleet will also
ensure that Alpha Star
lance” and AS9110B:2012 for “Line Main- be fitted with electronic flight bags
Private Aviation has the
tenance” which were fully implemented (EFBs) and the company intends to have
first Saudi-certified part
and certified by Perry Johnson Regis- 135 Airbus ACJ318
its pilots using EFBs–iPads connected to
trars (PJR), Inc. Certification Body; a Rockwell Collins system–during the full
which represented a big challenge for flight in the short term. In addition to
the company and a benchmark accom- charter flights, Alpha Star also offers air
plishment for the Aviation Industry. ambulance, aircraft management, line
In keeping with its quest to stay at the maintenance and consultancy services
forefront of technology, Alpha Star has and is reportedly looking at entering the
also retro-fitted Sharklets to its ACJ320 FBO market in Saudi Arabia. ■

By Damien Reid
XP Interview Daniela Boutsen Design-AA36.qxp_XP Interview Daniela Boutsen Design-AA36 12/06/2014 15:27 Page56

INTERVIEW

Boutsen Design

Daniela Boutsen
When an owner steps on board their new
aircraft for the first time, settles in and instantly
feels comfortable but can’t put their finger on
what exactly makes it so welcoming, then
chances are Boutsen Design has been at work.

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INTERVIEW

Beauty is in the detail. It’s the most accurate truism when it
comes to high-end luxury and yet it can often be an area that
is overlooked the most. Daniela and Thierry Boutsen entered
the aviation business in 1997 from their Monaco base, offering
business jet and helicopter owners a complete package from
buying and selling to operating aircraft and acting as a single
point of contact all the way. Yet Daniela’s background in in-
terior design led her to look a little more closely at the indus-
try and found there was a need for a service that stretches
just that bit further. At completion and handover of an air-
craft, there’s something very special about the first time an
owner steps on board and instantly feels at home by reco-
gnising personal, highly individual touches in items like the
cutlery, table linen or toiletries. This is where Boutsen Design
comes to the fore.
“The idea behind Boutsen Design came up three years ago.
We had an Eastern European client who was overseeing the
completion of his ACJ318 and who loved the interior design
but didn’t like the loose equipment such as the chinaware,
comfort items etc. He came to me and said, ‘you have good
taste, will you do it!’ and I thought, of course I can do it,” says
Daniela Boutsen. “I started looking into it because I originally
come from an interior design and decoration background
and I thought, this is excellent as it allows me to go back to
my original passion and is a niche area that hasn’t really been
tapped into before”.
“I started doing some research and couldn’t find a professio-
nal, dedicated company doing this particular service and no-
ticed that there is not really one company that could find
everything under the one roof.”
The Boutsen business which comprises Boutsen Aviation and
Boutsen Design as two separate companies, started from
humble beginnings operating from the kitchen table.
Former Formula One driver, Thierry Boutsen had spent a li-
fetime commuting around the globe racing in 16 or more
countries every year and like many of his fellow competitors,
was an aviation enthusiast who spent a good portion of his
life in the air. “Thierry has always had his own aircraft and his
fellow drivers like Heinz-Harald Frentzen and Michael Schu-
macher began asking him to source aircraft for them and
that’s how it all started, by helping out friends. “Then we
thought, this could develop into a business. While Thierry was
out at front, I was working in the back office and 15 years on,
we have today sold an impressive 284 aircraft and helicop-

"Middle East clients are very particular about what they want in
their aircraft so the proposal can change often and you need to
have a little bit more flexibility which is exactly what we offer."

By Damien Reid
XP Interview Daniela Boutsen Design-AA36.qxp_XP Interview Daniela Boutsen Design-AA36 12/06/2014 15:27 Page58

INTERVIEW

"I went to every supplier to see how they operate.

I went to Baccarat, Christofle, Bernardaud and
others and I started to understand what suppliers
could offer and what I could offer my clients.

ters.” The addition of Boutsen Design following that light bulb

moment with the Eastern European customer has proven to
be an unexpected success for the efficient team of seven
which still operates from a family-sized office.
“I started to source suppliers and took time to visit them to
gain a better understanding of their products and the way
they were being made. From Baccarat glassware, Christofle
cutlery, to Bernardaud Chinaware, I gradually began to un-
derstand what suppliers could offer us and what I in turn wi-
shed to offer my clients. It was at that moment that it
dawned on me what had been missing so far in business avia-
tion.” Despite working out of the sole office in Monaco, Bout-
sen Design is a highly visible and active participant at the
most important business aviation shows around the globe
and has picked up a world-wide following which stretches
beyond Europe and now into the Middle East.
As the business focuses largely on the Boeing Business Jets,
Airbus Corporate Jets and Embraer Lineage 1000 end of the
scale and rarely below G550, Global 6000-sized planes, it’s
not surprising that the Gulf region is warming to the Boutsen

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Design personal touch. “What we are doing is very much ap-
preciated in the Middle East. We work extremely well in Saudi
Arabia and across the entire Gulf area. “Sometimes I am
asked to consult on colours, which is very rewarding because
often many incorrectly assume that the interiors of Middle
Eastern planes are embellished in mostly gold with little else.
“You would be surprised as they have many different styles.
Some clients are extremely modern while others prefer a
more traditional style. But it’s always quite varied. “It’s diffe-
rent working with clients in the Middle East as it takes more
time than with European clients. The tastes are different and
more intricate a lot of the time in the Middle East.
Often in Europe they give you a project and then you go for
it but in the Middle East, relationship building is extremely im-
portant, where they want to learn more about you as a per-
son and go back and meet you a second or even a third time.
They want to warm up and develop a relationship with you
and gain confidence in what you do and what your company
can bring them.
“Middle Eastern clients are extremely particular about what
they would like in their aircraft so the proposal can often
change and more flexibility is needed, which is exactly what
we at Boutsen Design offer.”
Last year Boutsen Design fitted 12 cabins and this year they
have signed for three with a few more almost locked down
in the pipeline. The company works very closely with com-
pletion centres and flight management businesses, which are
both big advocates of Boutsen Design as it removes a lot of
the stress about the final points of completing an aircraft in-
terior. Examples can be for items such as which linen to use
on the plane and how much everything weighs.
“They love our weight sheets. Each completion centre needs
to weigh everything and it can be a very time-consuming
task but with one easy click, the full weight sheet is made
available. Every single item we supply has been weighed. No-
thing leaves our premises without being weighed.
Every item right down to individual pieces of table linen, crockery,
cutlery and glassware is itemised, weighed and listed against the furniture it has been designed for.
INTERVIEW
“We have designed our very own software outlining all the
information we gain from the supplier and management so
that we can come up with a concept. I have a very good idea
of what a client wants on board, be it for charter, for when it
needs to be cost sensitive or for customized, beautiful high-
level items. We can scope every request and co-ordinate ab-
solutely everything.”
This is a boon for the completion centres that deal with hun-
dreds of critical issues on a daily basis, so leaving the details
to Boutsen Design is one less point they have to worry about.
“I have spent many hours at logistic centres looking at how
they operate and found that they always seem to face the
same problems. For example when an aircraft returns, they
have to check perhaps 15 to 20 aircraft and sometimes find
it difficult to remember which table linen goes in which air-
craft. “As a result, we offer a tailor-made labelling system for
each company, aircraft, table and bed. With our expert sys-
tem, you can easily find every single item down to the table
linen and know exactly on which aircraft it goes on.”
Co-ordinating the harmony between fabrics and wood co-
lours, the linen and dinnerware to achieve the best balance
is all possible thanks to the large catalogue of European-
based suppliers on Boutsen’s books, that covers everything
that’s not included in the original fit-out. Boutsen Design
even goes that extra mile further by offering a bespoke ser-
vice of engraving onto plates, glasses and cutlery to match
the owner’s identification, name, aircraft registration or any
other distinctive element. With Boutsen Design the sky really
isn’t the limit and its customised services extend onto yachts
and homes too.
Boutsen Design’s newest addition is a well-equipped logistics
centre allowing the team to re-pack everything in the precise
order that it will be installed once they gain access to the air-
craft. This ingenious solution helps to save time and ensures
that everything is in its rightful place, first time around.
Once again, the beauty is in the detail. ■
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FBO

Chasing the sun

Royal Jet Seychelles

It seems logical to tie in private jet travel with five star resort destinations and yet it’s only
now that this concept seems to be kicking off with a number of options now available for the
perennial sunseeker. Royal Jet is the latest to chip in with its new FBO in the Seychelles

Royal Jet, the Abu Dhabi-based inter-
national luxury executive flight services
company chaired by His Excellency
Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan,
in association with Air Seychelles, the
national airline of the Republic of Sey-
chelles, launched a new Fixed-Base
Operation (FBO) facility in The Sey-
chelles Islands in Summer 2013 to cater
to the rising number of private aviation
tourists from the Middle East, Europe
and CIS countries. Royal Jet’s first FBO
operation outside of the region, and
also the first FBO facility in the Sey-
chelles, ushers in a new era for the pri-
vate jet operator’s FBO expertise, which
showcases the demand for the high
level of luxury and business aviation ser-
vices beyond the UAE borders. Air Sey-
chelles oversees the commercial and
operational management of the ‘Air
Seychelles VIP’ lounge located at the
Seychelles International Airport.
Royal Jet President and CEO Shane
O’Hare said Air Seychelles VIP provides
year-round world-class bespoke luxury
services to private aviation operators,
VIP, corporate and leisure travellers to
the end-destination. “Working closely
with Air Seychelles, Royal Jet manages

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XP Royal Jet Seychelles-AA36.qxp_XP Royal Jet Seychelles-AA36 12/06/2014 15:27 Page61
the FBO in line with what we currently
offer to royalty, heads of state and VIP
guests at our current FBO at Abu Dhabi
International Airport. Our best practices
over the years serving royalty are repli-
cated on the Islands but providing the
local touch that makes Seychelles hos-
pitality distinctive. “Seychelles is increa-
singly becoming a year-long destination
of choice by elite honeymooners, holi-
day seekers and leisure travellers in ad-
dition to business travellers and our
FBO provides a service that is unparal-
leled on the Islands.” With tourism
growth from the Middle East expected
to continue to rise along with Europe,
the Far East, South Africa and Russia,
Seychelles is fast becoming known as a
high-end tourist destination. The ‘Air
Seychelles VIP’ offers world class stan-
dards and goes beyond just the lounge
facilities offering ground handling faci-
lities to private jets and fast track ser-
vices to guests who use this VIP facility.
Services handled by Air Seychelles VIP
include landing permits, aircraft mar-
FBO
shalling, Follow Me service, red carpet,
meet and assist, monitoring of Air Traf-
fic Control slots, communication of
weather situation/NOTAM, arrival and
departure movement messages, arran-
ging refuelling support and coordina-
tion with fuel suppliers, provision for use
of a headset, start-up signal, and the
provision of safety cones and chocks.
Other services include air-conditioning
engineering services and round-the-
clock landing, parking and departure
with no slot restrictions. All post and
pre-flight procedures are available at
the VIP terminal, including baggage
claims, customs and immigration,
"Our excellent business check-in and security control. Transfer
performance during our to and from the aircraft is provided
10th year has primarily where required, by dedicated buggies.
been due to strong The new VIP lounge boasts four execu-
innovations that saw the
tive rooms with a capacity for 55 guests
launch of new products
at a time and is equipped with free Wi-
such as Royal Jet Luxury
Fi service and Cable television, hot and
Vacations and the
cold foods as well as a selection of be-
Seychelles FBO"
verages. Also provided is lounge hostess
services, dedicated ramp staff, red car-
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INTERVIEW

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FBO

"Our best practices over the years serving royalty are replicated on the
Island but providing the local touch that makes Seychelles hospitality
distinctive. Our FBO provides a service that is unparalleled on the Islands."

pet steps for the handling of VVIP’s and
Diplomatic State Guests on private jets,
promotion of local culture and art on a
24 hour service, seven days a week basis.
With at least three big hotels expected
to open this year along with no visa res-
trictions for holidayers or for investment
into new business on the Islands, beau-
tiful weather all year around and an easy
going lifestyle, Seychelles is attracting
new guests. Royal Jet has competitive
pricing in place having looked at neigh-
bouring FBOs on other island destina-
tions like Mauritius, Maldives and
Reunion. With no other VIP FBO on the
Seychelles, Royal Jet has revamped the
existing FBO facilities to look and feel
the same as their award winning FBO in
Abu Dhabi. Following last year’s Dubai
Air Dhow where the company showed
off its newly refurbished Boeing Busi-
ness Jet, A6-AIN, which they claimed to
be the most luxurious and technologi-
cally advanced BBJ currently in the air,
The national airline of the
Republic of Seychelles,
Air Seychelles oversees the
commercial and operational
management of the Air
Seychelles VIP lounge
located at the Seychelles
International Airport
Mr O’Hare said initiatives like the Sey-
chelles FBO were keeping Royal Jet fo-
cused on continuing its healthy bottom
line. “Our excellent business perfor-
mance during our 10th year of operation
has primarily been due to strong inno-
vation that saw the launch of new pro-
ducts such as Royal Jet Luxury
Vacations, obviously the Seychelles FBO
but also the commencement of a new
project to start operations at Al Bateen
Executive Airport, the refurbishment of
our existing FBO at Abu Dhabi Interna-
tional Airport, a new livery which reflects
our new brand identity and the ongoing
refurbishment programme of our BBJ
fleet.” The Abu Dhabi-based company
flew to more 320 airports in 135 coun-
tries during 2013 and has registered
eight consecutive years of profits. The
Seychelles venture is just one part of the
company’s plan to establish Abu Dhabi’s
reputation as one of the world’s top
aviation hubs. ■

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INTERVIEW

P. PIGEYRE

By Sylvie Péron
XP Interview Benoit Defforge-AA36.qxp_XP Interview Benoit Defforge-AA36 12/06/2014 15:28 Page65

INTERVIEW

Benoît Defforge
Managing Director of Airbus Corporate Jets

The former head of Airbus Corporate Jet Centre, Benoît Defforge is now responsible
for all Airbus corporate jet activity. The Frenchman, aged 49, graduated with an
Engineering Diploma from the Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Arts et Métiers in Paris
in 1987. He was awarded an INSEAD Business Diploma in 2011. He joined Airbus in
2003, initially leading a project to improve the performance and lead time of the
Airbus A330/A340 final assembly line in Toulouse. In 2005, Defforge was appointed
Head of Airbus A380 Electrical Systems development. In May 2007 he was appointed
Head of ACJC, an Airbus subsidiary that is part of a network of Airbus-approved
cabin-completion centres. In his role as Managing Director of Airbus Corporate Jets,
Defforge reports directly to John Leahy, COO Customers, for all sales
activity and to Tom Williams, EVP Programs, for ACJC.

Altitudes: As Managing Director You have contributed

you are now combining this
new role with your previous
one at ACJC, how does it work?
Benoît Defforge: My previous role as
CEO of ACJC has given me a good
insight into the wider world of Airbus
corporate jets, and I am already
familiar with many of the people
involved, both inside and outside the
company. I am enjoying the challenge
of managing both companies, and
believe that there are some synergies
from which our customers can benefit.
What are your new responsibilities?
I am now responsible for all of Airbus’
corporate jet activity, which means res-
ponsibility for sales, marketing and sup-
port of our aircraft, as well as of cabin
outfitting and maintenance services.
ACJC’s strength is the quality
of its highly experienced
workforce, which is very
important in the
cabin-outfitting business,
where a lot of craftsmanship
and engineering are involved.
to the growth of ACJC
over the past years, what
is your strategy going forward?
When ACJC was launched in 2007,
under a new management team, we ca-
pitalized on an already existing and
highly experienced workforce, which
now has more than 25 Airbus cabin
completions to its credit. ACJC’s
strength is the quality of this team,
which is very important in the cabin-
outfitting business, where a lot of
craftsmanship and engineering are in-
volved.
Our goal is to continue to give wings
to our customers’ dreams by outfit-
ting three or four cabins a year, while
growing our services business and
further developing excellence in cus-
tomer care.

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INTERVIEW
How do you compare the Toulouse
facility to other completion centers
in Europe, and in the US?
We see ACJC as a complementary so-
lution that benefits all our corporate
jet customers, as part of the Airbus-
approved cabin-outfitter network.
When we introduce an innovation at
ACJC, for example, it benefits all Air-
bus corporate jet customers, because
it then sets a new standard to which
everyone can aspire. Having Airbus as
our parent company also helps to set
high standards.
What is your vision of the VIP single
aisle and the widebody market? Do
you expect it to expand further in
the years to come?
The last few years have been challen-
ging for everyone in the business jet
world, with fewer sales all round, as
some customers adopt a “wait and
see” attitude. There continues to be a
very real need for business jets, which
literally have the power, when taken
together, to drive the economic
growth of nations. So we remain cau-
tiously optimistic about future busi-
ness jet demand for both our ACJ320
and widebody families.
We are offering a Gala cabin concept
for widebody aircraft such as the A330
and A340, whether new or pre-owned,
which comprises a VIP section in the
middle of the cabin, complemented by
airline-style first, business and economy
seating ahead of and behind it. Such a
cabin provides the kind of cabin that
VIP users often want, for less invest-
ment in time and money.
In which regions do you expect
Airbus VIP aircraft to sell best in the
near future?
One of the fastest growing markets is
Asia-Pacific, especially India and China,
which have high economic growths and
are relatively new markets for corporate
jets. We continue to have a strong pre-
sence in the Middle East and the East
66
European markets through our custo-
mer-base and offices in Dubai, Moscow
and Hong Kong, which continue to be
important opportunities for us.
It was announced last year at NBAA
that the first VIP ACJ was now
available for prospective customers
to experience in the US, was that a
tough market to break into and why?
With some 15 operators now offering a
wide variety of Airbus corporate jets for
VVIP charter, we are quite well repre-
sented in this market around the world.
Having an Airbus corporate jet available
for VVIP charter on the US West Coast
is an interesting addition, because it
provides opportunities for passengers
to experience new standards of comfort
and service.
The USA is a big market in which Airbus
airliners already have a strong presence,
and we would like to see that mirrored
on the business aviation side with our
corporate jets.
How does your order book look
for the remainder of 2014?
We would like to have more orders, like
everyone else. Fortunately we have a
great product, and we are strong in the
cabin, which is what most interests bu-
siness jet customers. We are particularly
well placed because, with the widest
and tallest cabin of any business jet, we
are a natural next step for someone
flying something smaller – and there are
a lot of potential customers out there
doing exactly that.
We continue to invest in innovations,
such as the fuel-saving Sharklets that
we have begun delivering on Airbus
corporate jets, and cabin features such
as in-flight entertainment and ways to
save weight.
Do you reckon your background
as an engineer has been
useful and why?
Having a technical background is nearly
always an advantage, because it is ea-
sier to go from a technical background
to, say, a commercial one, rather than
the other way around. It also means
that when I talk to the engineers with
customers, or in the team, I am already
on the same wavelength, so it is easier
to understand the issues involved.
What is your client-base? High net
worth individuals, governments,
Royals?
The 170-plus orders that we have to
date come from companies, indivi-
duals and governments, in roughly
equal measure. Private customers love
the unequalled comfort and space that
an Airbus corporate jet delivers, while
governments particularly appreciate
the ability to transport larger delega-
tions of 30 or more people – some-
thing that you cannot do in a
traditional business jet.
Emirates Airline presented a VIP ACJ
at the last Dubai Airshow, do you
expect other airlines might follow?
The Emirates Executive Airbus ACJ319
is the first business jet in the world to
have mini-suites and a Starlight ceiling
and carpet, both of which were installed
by ACJC during cabin completion. The
mini-suites are further improved ver-
sions of those already flying in Emirates’
A380s.
There is a need, in some markets, for a
higher standard of travel than airline
first-class can provide. One example
could be one or more families travelling
together, especially in markets such as
the Middle East.
We are well placed to provide the air-
craft and their cabins, if the trend deve-
lops further.
Please tell us about Airbus’
expansion in Asia
Asia-Pacific is going to be the largest
market on the airline side in the next
20 years, with demand outstripping
that of North America, previously the
biggest. We see business jet demand
XP Interview Benoit Defforge-AA36.qxp_XP Interview Benoit Defforge-AA36 12/06/2014 15:28 Page67

INTERVIEW

paralleling that growth, so Asia-Pacific
will be an important market for us. We
already have Airbus Corporate Jet of-
fices in Beijing, Hong Kong and Tokyo,
and one of the Airbus-approved cabin
outfitters, Taeco, is based at Xiamen in
mainland China.
What does EBACE
represent for Airbus?
In some ways, airshows are the equiva-
lent of an upmarket car salesroom for
business jet buyers, allowing them to
compare what is on offer in a quick and
objective way. You can make a small
cabin look good in a brochure with spe-
cial-effect photography, but not at an
airshow. Chief pilots, flight department
managers, and sometimes even billio-
naires, visit our aircraft at an airshow,
and can really see for themselves how
much more comfort, space and free-
dom of movement they get in an Airbus
corporate jet.
EBACE is probably the world’s second-
biggest business jet show, so it’s a good
place to showcase the wider and taller
cabin of Airbus corporate jets.
What are your hobbies? Family life:
are you married with children?
My hobbies include golf, surfing, snow-
boarding, and watching rugby. I’m very
proud of my two daughters, who are
studying Engineering and Business. I
would like to add that we should never
forget that we are in the business of
providing good service to our custo-
mers, as well as great aircraft and ca-
bins, and my personal target is to raise
our standards in bringing new pro-
ducts and excellence in service to our
customers. ■

“Airshows are the equivalent of an upmarket

car salesroom for business jet buyers, allowing them
to compare what is on offer in a quick and objective way.”

P. PIGEYRE

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COMPLETION

68
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COMPLETION

SR Technics

Redefining
the art of travel
SR Technics is launching a new off-the-shelf interior product for Airbus
and Boeing single-aisle aircraft pitched at a new generation of
customers. The Switzerland-based airline maintenance, repair and
overhaul specialist believes it can cut twenty percent from the average
cost of a completion by reducing much of the customized engineering
requested for many projects. Furthermore, this package will allow a
thirty percent reduction in the typical time for a cabin installation.

By Sylvie Péron
XP Completion SR Technics-AA36.qxp_XP Completion SR Technics-AA36 12/06/2014 15:28 Page70
COMPLETION
A less formal new
generation of customers
seeks a simple, functional
interior that will make it
easier to resell the aircraft
Eric Jan (white shirt) and
his team are very excited
as after 18 months of
development, the product
enters the productive phase
70
“Customers expectations have chan-
ged,” explains Eric Jan, Head of VIP in-
terior design at SR Technics. “Existing
solutions on the market do not take this
in consideration. As a whole, the avia-
tion industry has been conservative in
the modernization of private aircraft
design. From the organization of space
through to the construction of the in-
terior, VIP aircraft have traditionally
been set up in a standard layout.”
Recently, the industry has been adap-
ting to the market demand for larger
aircraft. Thinking over single-aisle air-
craft cabin interiors has become a ne-
cessity, and for one, the manufacturer
of the popular ACJ319 is working on a
new concept, based on a fresh ap-
proach to the interior of what Airbus
says is the widest and tallest cabin of
any business jet. In Zurich, SR Technics’
team of experts have spent eighteen
months of research and developments,
combining their experience to intro-
duce an innovative design package that
transforms the way cabins are comple-
ted and managed.
A NEW GENERATION OF OWNERS
Eric Jan explains how resale needs are
not taken into consideration properly.
“We see second hand aircraft, waiting
for a new owner and standing on the
tarmac for years. This is due to a very
simple fact: they do not comply with
actual required needs and these aircraft
are very difficult and expensive to mo-
dify. There is a new generation of cus-
tomers with different behaviors and
contemporary lifestyle. Often, these are
XP Completion SR Technics-AA36.qxp_XP Completion SR Technics-AA36 12/06/2014 15:28 Page71
young self-made entrepreneurs who
seek a simple, functional interior, rather
than one that is highly bespoke, making
it easier to re-sell the aircraft. They see
their aircraft as an investment as well as
a personal statement. They are much
less formal than the previous genera-
tion, and they are looking for pure and
functional interiors. A lot of these new-
generation customers have been edu-
cated in the best schools around the
world and they have new, multi-cultural
expectations. We see a clear request
from our customers for such new kinds
of cabin interior. They want to feel the
experience of flying, of being on the
move. Today we deal with another kind
of people than only a few years ago.
The market has changed.”
FLEXIBILITY
The product, which was officially laun-
ched at EBACE2014, brings together
advanced smart solutions that reconsi-
der traditional layouts to enable optimi-
zation and flexibility of space. SR
Technics claims that due to its highly
competitive pricing and significant re-
duction in the green completion time,
by up to a third compared to the indus-
try norm, the new cabin solution offers
“value that has not been seen in the in-
dustry to date”. The package is based
on a semi-flexible, four-zone cabin des-
Due to its competitive pricing and reduction in green completion time at SR Technics’ Zurich facilities,
the new cabin solution offers unseen before value
ign, with a large entrance area, walk-
through galley, lounge and VIP be-
droom and bathroom. Customers will
be able to select from three color styles
of pre-engineered furniture, including
divans, tables and storage units, rather
than complete modules.
“We had a dream, we wanted to rede-
fine the Art of travel and create an air-
craft that reflects today's needs.
Owning your individual space above
the clouds. Traveling as in a personal re-
treat. Waking up in a home high in the
sky... and we made it,” explains Jan. “It
is based on lifestyle, light and layout.
We did question conventions and ha-
bits. Flying today in your private aircraft
shall be easy-going. There is no point
trying to avoid the fact that an aircraft
is a mode of transportation. What is
needed is authenticity on board. Clear
orientation is key in addition to a
unique experience of space. Good in-
terior design starts with good space or-
ganization and clarity. Transforming
your vision into a beautifully balanced
cabin experience – that is what interior
design is all about. However, enginee-
ring means anticipating. Understanding
the customer’s dream is only the first
step in building an individual cabin. En-
gineering confronts his vision with the
realities of the lower stratosphere. We
have paid a lot of attention to lasting
COMPLETION
values through design. Individual and
extravagant solutions can be mesmeri-
zing at first sight – however, our ap-
proach will also prove its value when it
comes to resale.”
NATURAL LIGHT
“Look at the quality of light at high alti-
tude, it is unique!” exclaims Jan. “We
believe there is a need to use this uni-
queness and to enhance it. We develo-
ped a brand-new solution to filter,
augment or block natural light in a dis-
tinctive way, interacting effortlessly
with the light conditions at 30,000 feet
and establishing a sophisticated sense
of space at all times. As we were deve-
loping the lighting concept, we tried to
visualize how a personal retreat should
feel like, especially at night. And we
came up with new angle on lighting.”
Optimum quality has been brought to
every aspect. Design elements are en-
gineered for adaptability – enabling
multi-utilization throughout the jour-
ney. SR Technics worked on develo-
ping appealing on-board components.
Inside the cabin no component stands
on its own – every element blends har-
moniously into the overall experience.
The team strongly believes that in the
cabin there are no minor matters, and
genuine craftsmanship will show up in
the detail.
71
Projet1_XP Pub Riviera Concierge Service-AA35 09/04/14 17:18 Page1 16:59 Page1

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S T - T R O P E Z • C A N N E S • M O N A C O
XP Completion SR Technics-AA36.qxp_XP Completion SR Technics-AA36 12/06/2014 15:28 Page73
A private lounge is
connected to the
bedroom that's perfect
for meetings or relaxing
away from the main cabin
SPECIAL LAYOUT
The stunning entrance area is full of na-
tural light. Unusually spacious for an air-
craft of this size, it is meant as a social
area, connecting to a big open galley.
“We have happily broken one ancient
law of cabin design,” explains Eric Jan.
“The galley is no longer a hidden area.
You are now allowed to have fun there
and entertain your guests. It is a unique
experience bringing a new lifestyle on
board. Of course, it can also be fully de-
dicated to the crew, upon demand. The
lounge is a vast open area, full of natu-
ral light, directly connected to the gal-
ley. This space is an amazing relaxing
area, which can be used in different
configurations - lounge, dining and
sleeping. In the aft part of the cabin, we
have implemented a private lounge in
direct connection with the bedroom.
This unique Private Area allows the
owner to use the space as desired- for
working, meeting, relaxing, or sleeping.
The space is now fully part of the flying
experience and no longer limited to
sleeping only. It opens onto the ba-
throom, while two large sliding doors
provide full privacy when needed.”
EXCELLENCE STARTS WITH
MATERIAL SELECTION
Imagining all the possibilities and anti-
cipating the limitations of materials
takes a deep understanding of aviation
and the combined experience of a pro-
fessional team. Every material used in
the Personal Cabin Solution meets the
highest security requirements and in-
corporates cutting-edge modern des-
ign. “We concentrate our expertise on
clean-cut proposals: combining of ma-
terials and colors that have lasting
value. It’s up to the customer to decide
which proposal better matches his
taste,” explains Jan. SR Technics pre-
sented three different ambiances at
EBACE, in order to show the full po-
tential of their solution - classic, ele-
gant and modern. These are only
suggestions, and custom-made selec-
tions are available for on-board perso-
nal touch.
COMPLETION
TRUST GOES A LONG WAY
“Our solution has become alive, this is
very exciting for us,” exclaims Jan. “SR
Technics VIP Aircraft Services have
been working and developing a new
cabin solution for more than 18 months
and now the product is entering the
productive phase! We clearly wanted to
differentiate ourselves from the compe-
tition with a different approach. We are
the partners with strong beliefs, with
clear views. We have an enormous pas-
sion for this new solution. Only passion
can lead you to redefine the art of tra-
vel. For more than eighty years SR
Technics has been working at the heart
of aviation. Deeply committed project
management is our precondition for
fixed completion time.
“Our Personal Cabin Solution translates
into transforming high-flying ideals into
approved reality,“ concludes Jan. “Our
new Swiss standard in cabin design fo-
cuses on light, space and symmetries.
The overall guidelines in establishing
our cabin concept have been clear and
consistent since day one of the deve-
lopment process: maximum quality
standards, fixed installation timing, mo-
dular flexibility and alleviated mainte-
nance requirements. The Personal
Cabin Solution is approved and ready
for installation. Ensuring your aircraft
will take off at the agreed time.” ■
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CARS

Blurring The Lines

Porsche
Macan
If you were to design a
premium car for the
Middle East, it would
need to be desirable,
luxurious, spacious, off-
road-capable, exclusive,
fast and wear a badge to
match. It seemed like an
almost impossible wish
list until Porsche lifted
the curtain on the
all-new Macan.

74
XP Cars Porsche Macan-AA36.qxp_XP Cars Porsche Macan-AA36 12/06/2014 15:29 Page75
I’ve just been handed the keys to a new
Porsche turbo with an accompanying
map directing me to a fabulously twisty
piece of mountain road in the northern
corner of the United Arab Emirates.
The day has started well. I’m tucked in
behind another Porsche, following a Pa-
namera turbo driven by one of the ma-
nufacturer’s instructors who leads our
small convoy to the desirable and hope-
fully empty piece of tarmac.
We’re soon off the main road and as the
mountains are getting closer, the road
starts to meander into a series of swoo-
ping bends. Next thing you know, as the
ascent begins, I’ve knocked it back a
gear, planted the right foot and set off
in pursuit of the big Panamera. I can
hear both of the turbos in my Porsche
spool up as its 3.6-litre, six-cylinder en-
gine spits into life and in no time, we are
both enjoying our Porsches the way the
company intended. The only thing is
that I wasn’t in a sportscar but a mid-
sized, five-door SUV and for a while I’d
AT A GLANCE
Engine: 3.6-litre V6 twin-turbo
Transmission: seven-speed auto
Power: 400bhp @ 7000rpm
Torque: 550Nm @ 1750rpm
0-100kmh 4.8 seconds
Top speed: 266kmh
Price: from AED 253,000
cars
completely overlooked the new Porsche
Macan’s core focus of it being an off-
roading, family mover.
The Macan is a mini-me version of the
Cayenne SUV which sent Porsche pu-
rists into a frenzy when it was released
but in actual fact, saved the former
sports car company from potential ruin
as it proved a global success, especially
here in the Middle East.
Where the Cayenne is a full-sized, five-
seater based loosely on the Audi Q7
platform, the Macan is a scaled down,
sportier version which uses the under-
pinnings from the Audi Q5 and is pit-
ched at a younger, more urban
demographic.
Despite there being only one of the two
models in the Macan range carrying a
turbo badge, the good news is that
both models use forced induction from
a pair of turbo chargers with the regular
Macan S being a 3-litre twin-turbo V6,
while the Macan Turbo S carries a larger
3.6-litre, twin-turbo V6 engine.
By Damien Reid
XP Cars Porsche Macan-AA36.qxp_XP Cars Porsche Macan-AA36 12/06/2014 15:29 Page76

CARS

A swathe of buttons down the centre console mixed with light-toned

leather and brushed alloy is a common theme in everything from the
Cayman to the Cayenne and the Macan provides the same driver-focused interior

Put the anomaly of the badging policy
down to the marketing team which dic-
tates that the performance Porsche is
simply referred to as the ‘Turbo’.
Both iterations also drive through Por-
sche’s tried and proven, PDK seven
speed, double clutch automatic trans-
mission. Interestingly and thankfully for
any driving enthusiast, Porsche seems
to have caved in on the use of gear-
changing buttons on the steering wheel
and opted for the industry-accepted
paddle shifts behind the wheel. Paddles
are also used on Porsche’s 918 supercar
which are far more intuitive than the
previous method. Electronically-assis-
ted power steering feels positive right
the way through, giving a reassuring
feeling on turn in and a positive feel on
the exit of corners, providing the driver
with enough confidence to hustle on,
chasing the next bend. The brakes pro-
vide a firm pedal with typically brilliant
stopping power that you now just ex-
pect from Porsche who have been the
masters of high-speed stopping for ge-
nerations. Likewise, the springs, anti-roll
bars and dampers keep the body rock
in check and do their best to ensure the
other occupants are not about to upend
their lunch in to the scenery.
For someone who doubted that he
would ever appreciate an SUV as an on-
road weapon, I was finding myself liking
this a lot and would have broken out
into a smile if I wasn’t so intent on cat-
ching the apex of the next turn up the
mountain. Branding an off-road vehicle
as a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) has al-
ways been a bit of marketing hype but
in this case, this is the first time I’ve dri-
ven an SUV where the word Sports re-

76
XP Cars Porsche Macan-AA36.qxp_XP Cars Porsche Macan-AA36 12/06/2014 15:29 Page77

It's giant clamshell bonnet

means there are no shut lines
down the nose which are a
trademark of the 911 and have
carried over into other models

77
XP Cars Porsche Macan-AA36.qxp_XP Cars Porsche Macan-AA36 12/06/2014 15:29 Page78
CARS
fers to the mechanical abilities of the
car and not its fiberglass body kit.
The Macan is not only an all-new model
in the Porsche family slotting in below
the Cayenne, but it is also a vitally im-
portant one for the company as it is ex-
pected to take the lion’s share of sales.
Visually it shares a strong resemblance
to the Cayenne but its giant clamshell
bonnet means there are no shut lines
down the nose which have been a tra-
demark of the 911 and have been carried
over into other models, so it’s trying to
distance itself from its sportscar siblings
in looks at least.
However having said that, it’s a different
story when you view the car from the
rear which features nicely scalloped,
three dimensional tail lights that are di-
rectly influenced by the 918 and 991
coupés.
78
You get the feeling that even
though it's highly capable
playing in the rough, Macan will
spend most of its time on
smooth surfaces
One of the traits that fooled me into
thinking that I was in one of the more
thoroughbred Porsche sports cars cha-
sing down that Panamera was that the
interiors across the full Porsche range
are now very similar and from behind
the wheel, it’s getting harder to differen-
tiate one model from another.
A massive swathe of buttons down the
centre console mixed with light-toned
leather and brushed alloy is now a com-
mon theme in everything from the Cay-
man to the Cayenne and the Macan
provides the same driver-focused inter-
ior, although I’m still not a fan of all
those buttons.
The lesser of the two bi-turbo V6 en-
gines used in the Macan S produces
340 bhp and 460Nm of torque, which
is 40 bhp more than the base Cayenne’s
naturally aspirated 3.6 litre V6. The 400
XP Cars Porsche Macan-AA36.qxp_XP Cars Porsche Macan-AA36 12/06/2014 15:29 Page79

cars

Although smaller than the

Cayenne, the Macan still has plenty
of storage for four people and
luggage for a weekend away

bhp Macan Turbo delivers 550Nm of

torque and to prove its sporting pro-
wess, it gets from zero to 100kmh in 4.8
seconds and has an electronically go-
verned top speed of 266kmh.
Both run through an active all-wheel-
drive system with optional torque-vec-
toring and while we didn’t get much of
a chance to try it off-road, a purpose
built obstacle course did show up a few
notable features.
Impressively it has the ability to climb
and descend 40 degree angles which
we had the chance to try on a specially
constructed ramp. Perhaps even more Despite there being only one model
impressive than the approach and de- carrying a turbo badge, the good news
parture angles which allowed this, was
its ability to stop midway up the ramp
is that both use forced induction from a
and then put all that torque to good use pair of turbochargers with the Macan S
by getting going again. being a 3-litre V6 and the Macan Turbo
You could clearly hear the turbos wor- using the larger 3.6-litre engine.
king hard to get its mass rolling again
with excellent traction via its torque
vectoring system, allowing it to carefully
place power to all four wheels and start
edging forward once more. From my
view behind the wheel, all I could see
was a windscreen full of blue sky until
we reached the top when it abruptly
turned to a windscreen full of down
ramp for the return run.
A simple but effective exercise none-
the-less. How it handles the real rough
‘n tough of the desert and outback, we’ll
have to tell you another time when we
get the chance. Overall, while I’m sure
it’s quite a capable off-roader given its
DNA shared among the Audi-VW fa-
mily, our time in the Macan was spent
largely on-road and in that environment
it was impeccable. As a model for the
region, I just hope Porsche Cars Middle
East have their ordering pencils sharpe-
ned because I can see the most impres-
sive performance from this model will
be the pace at which it flies off the
showroom floors. ■

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DESTINATION

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DESTINATION

The Maldives

Welcome
to paradise
Gazing out of the window, I catch my first
glimpse of a cluster of turquoise-ringed islands
that make up Addu Atoll – the southern most
archipelago in the Maldives. An airhostess taps
me on the shoulder, smiles and hands me a
certificate. It is addressed to me from the
Shangri-La Villingili Resort, proudly announcing
that we have officially just crossed the Equator.
It’s an unnecessary, but thoughtful gesture that
alludes to the detail of care I am about to
experience on one of the most beautiful islands
in one of the most beautiful places on earth.

By Matthew Priest
XP Destination Maldives-AA36.qxp_XP Destination Maldives-AA36 12/06/2014 15:29 Page82

DESTINATION

The Shangri-La is the only resort in the Maldives with its own
FBO for private jets and can process paperwork and have
you whisked by boat to the resort in just five minutes

The Shangri-La couldn’t be located
further away from the Maldivian capital,
Male, but despite the country offering
over more than a hundred different ho-
tels and resorts, it continues to stand
out from the pack.
The private resort covers the entirety of
the 17,000sqm island Villingili, which, as
one of the bigger islands in the Mal-
dives, is no mean feat. The five-star
hotel boasts 132 individual villas – that
come in nine different varieties –, a
number of bars and restaurants, its own
nine-hole golf course, a watersports
centre, jungle and eco walks and an in-
credible Spa.
Like any far-flung destination, accessi-
bility is key – an issue that the resort has
addressed by striking a deal with a
nearby airport on the island of Gan. In
fact, it is the only five-star resort in the
Maldives with its own airport lounge
and caters for private jet owners to
schedule flights to and from the resort
at their own convenience.
The first-class facilities with on-site im-
migration and customs services are
complemented by hotel staff who greet
you on arrival to ensure a smooth, fast
and stress-free immigration process be-
fore being whisked away by boat to the
hotel just five minutes away. Once
you’re there it is totally worth it.
The choice is available to either fly in on
board your own aircraft or you can use
Shangri-La’s own Boeing Business Jet
which has been furnished to seat 26
passengers.
The “Private Jet Experience” is available
as one of the tailored holiday packages
for those flying in on their own wings
which includes accommodation in one
of the resort’s Presidential Villas, cham-
pagne, a romantic dolphin cruise, a daily
massage, an exclusive “Dine by Design”
dining option, a personal mobile phone
and a personal villa host.
The FBO is staffed 24-hours a day. It in-
cludes a secure and spacious hanger
with apron parking and they also offer
discounts on jet fuel charges as well as
published parking fee and handling
rates for the hotel’s guests.
As you would expect from any FBO, the
Shangri-La’s at Gan International Execu-
tive Airport offers full ground support
equipment, cabin cleaning and catering
all through a single point of contact
when making your holiday booking.
My Beach Villa could have been straight

82
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DESTINATION

from the ‘Wish you were here’ adverti- Buddhist monastery retreat. The spa
sing campaign from the tourist board. menu offers a thorough selection of
The bedroom is huge, air–conditioned Asian, Indian and local massages and
and complete with a walk-in wardrobe treatments and you have the option to
and indoor and outdoor showers. The have them in a private air-conditioned
private swimming pool, separate living villa, or in an outside pagoda accompa-
room area and – thanks to the lush sur- nied by the hypnotic roaring of the
rounding greenery – high levels of pri- waves crashing over the reef.
vacy making it an ideal place to stay for If spa treatments aren’t really your thing
a couple. Then, of course, there is the di- – what is wrong with you? – then per-
rect access to a perfect white-sand haps the island’s golf course might be
beach and crystal clear waters. I last more your speed. The nine-hole links
counted seven different shades of blue. course is a wonderful addition to island
Aside from the obvious luxuries that life, and is also home to the highest na-
you receive at any five-star hotel in the tural point in the country, the lofty
Maldives, it is the Shangri-La’s focus on Mount Villingili sits at 5.1 metres above
the little details that really hit home. The sea level. The course is open to all skill
sheer size of the island allows them to levels but, be warned, strong cross is-
push the boundaries of what they can land winds make it a lot more tricky
offer. For example, many of the vegeta- than it looks – take my word for it.
bles and spices supplied to the resort’s It’s hard to believe, when you’re swaying
three restaurants (the fine-dining Fas- in your hammock, listening to the tide
hala; Dr. Ali which serves Arabic, Indian lap onto the shore, but one of the issues
and Chinese dishes; and the all day- that plague smaller resorts in the Mal-
diner, Javvu) are actually grown on the dives is known as ‘Island Fever’ – an
island in the Chef’s Garden, and more issue of boredom seeping in after seve-
than half of its near 700-staff are locals ral days. This is not a problem often ex-
employed from the surrounding islands. perienced at the Shangri-La. Using its
Bicycles are provided to villa and guests size, location and commitment to get- There are eight dining options
are each given a mobile phone so that ting the small things right, it is a paradise ranging from a beautiful torch-lit
they can contact their personal butler at location where you would happily spend dinner in a jungle clearing
any time of the day. a week or more, and long for it once you surrounded by lush vegetation to
Perhaps the most impressive bespoke (begrudgingly) step foot through their a private meal aboard the luxury
service is the Dine by design option. The airport’s departure gate. ■ 21-metre sail yacht, Horizon
hotel has eight niche dining options,
which range from a beautiful torch-lit
dinner in a jungle clearing surrounded
by lush vegetation, to a private lunch or
dinner aboard the luxury 21-metre sail
yacht, Horizon, as it sailing towards the
Equator. You can’t really go wrong whi-
chever option you pull for.
The resort’s location also has the benefit
of having its rooms facing either the
calm lagoon on the Atoll-side of the is-
land (perfect conditions for snorkelling
around the nearby reefs) or the specta-
cular – but rougher – ocean side. It is the
latter where we find Chi, the spa.
Now, being a Shangri-La, high expecta-
tions come as prerequisite regarding
spas. Chi is actually located in its own
compound – or ‘sanctuary’ as they refer
to it. Passing through the gates and
seeing a large yoga pavilion surrounded
by private treatment villas, immediately
feels like you’ve uncovered a hidden

83
XP Brokerage-AA36.qxp_XP Brokerage-AA36 12/06/2014 15:30 Page84

BROKERAGE

■ Brokerage
BOUTSEN AVIATION
1999 Airbus A319
Serial: 1053 – Reg: D-ADNA
Owner will review all offers
5,031 CSN
Three additional fuel tanks (ACT)
Range 4380Nm
Exterior new 2010
48 Pax premium Business Class Seating
Two owners since new
Boutsen Aviation was created in 1997 with the main mission
of trading corporate aircraft. With over 284 aircraft sold to
date, the Monaco-based company has gained a solid
reputation of reliability and knowledge on the global
market. Boutsen Aviation is offering a complete support to
potential business jet owners ranging from new and used
Please contact: Dominique Trinquet + 377 93 30 80 02 aircraft technical and financial assessment, acquisition
dominique.trinquet@boutsen.com  process, cabin completion management and cabin
www.boutsen.com  equipment/decoration.

CORPORATE CONCEPTS
INTERNATIONAL
2003 Global Express
This like-new Global Express will be ready by July 1
for re-delivery fresh for major 8C and gear
inspection. Avionics and cabin management latest
updates, new Iridium phone and WiFi, Batch 3, new
exterior paint with extended warranty, new
refurbished interior and much more.

It is offered FOR SALE, FOR LEASE,

OR FOR LEASE PURCHASE.
OWNER FINANCING IS AVAILABLE
AND SOME TRADES COULD BE CONSIDERED.

Full details in www.flycci.com or call Dennis A.

Blackburn at +1 832 647 7581.

By Damien Reid
XP Brokerage-AA36.qxp_XP Brokerage-AA36 12/06/2014 15:30 Page85

BROKERAGE

■ Brokerage
EAS, LTD.
2010 Embraer Lineage 1000
The Best Priced Wide Body Aircraft Currently for Sale. Experience
the ultimate travel luxury in this 2010 Lineage 1000. The aircraft
offers vast space and privacy through its flexible configuration
allowing five distinct and discreet zones for up to 19 passengers.
Range: Abu Dhabi to London (non-stop)
DOM: December 2010
TTAF = 1980
Cycles = 602
Serial No: 19000261
GE CF34-10E7B
Executive Aircraft Sales (EAS) is a specialized aircraft
consultancy company providing highly personalized and client
tailored services to governments, corporations and high net
worth individuals. With offices in Abu Dhabi and Moscow we
strive to provide our clients with an unparalleled access to
aircraft that meet their aviation needs. EAS is an independent
Broker with no affiliations to any manufacturers. The company’s
basic philosophy is to serve its clients in determining which
For price & details please contact: Emad Sharghi aircraft – new or pre-owned – best suits their aviation needs.
Mobile: +971-50-329-5187 Flying profiles, operational, technical, financial and commercial
Email: es@execairsales.com aspects will be used in the analysis to help
Website: www.execairsales.com develop customized solutions.

JETCRAFT CORPORATION
2009 Global 5000 sn 9289
This Bombardier Global 5000 was completed with
Bombardier’s Limited Edition (LE) specification. It was designed
to be a global business tool, featuring a range that can pair
major cities (e.g. Chicago to London, Dubai to Tokyo) non-stop.
It offers luxurious seating for 13 passengers, who can work
productively in its forward four-place club area with pull-out
tables. With its airframe on Smart Parts Plus, this 2009 aircraft
has been well-maintained over its life of 1,339 hours (628
Cycles). It boasts a fully integrated Honeywell Primus 2000 XP
6-Tube EFIS avionics suite. As a JAR OPS1 & FAA Part 135
Compliant aircraft, this reliable jet is ready to go wherever your
global business takes you. Jetcraft is an international leader in
new and pre-owned business aircraft sales, acquisitions and
trades. The company’s long track record in aircraft transactions
and its multinational operations has earned it a world-class
customer base and one of the largest global networks in the
industry. Jetcraft represents a number of aircraft products Price: Not Disclosed
including Airbus, Boeing, Bombardier, Cessna, Dassault, Contact: Jetcraft Corporation
Embraer, Eurocopter, Gulfstream, Raytheon, and Sikorsky. Tel: +1 919 941 8400 - Email: info@jetcraft.com

'For submissions please contact d.reid@luxmedia-me.com' 85

 DISTRIBUTION
List of Altitudes Arabia partners for distribution in the Middle East (lounges and private jets):
If you are a supplier in the business aviation industry or an operator, or if your company has direct or indirect links with the in-
dustry (like hotels, restaurants, etc.) and you are keen on partnering with us to extend Altitudes Arabia’s distribution to passen-
gers or clients, please contact Sam Richomme at: s.richomme@luxmedia-me.com We take into consideration any request.

united arab emirates saudi arabia

lebanon
saudi arabia Dubai Beirut Jeddah
Jeddah
Riyadh

bahrain united arab emirates united arab emirates

united arab emirates Manama Dubai Dubai
Dubai

morrocco united arab emirates

egypt saudi arabia Casablanca Dubai
Cairo Jeddah
united arab emirates
Dubai

lebanon
saudi arabia
united arab emirates Beirut
Jeddah
Ras Al Khaimah
united arab emirates
Dubai

united arab emirates

lebanon
Dubai
egypt Beirut
Cairo
ARABASCO saudi arabia
united arab emirates Jeddah
Dubai (Represented by
Arras.aero)
uk
Farnborough
saudi arabia Kemble
Jeddah Humberside
united arab emirates
Madinah
Abu Dhabi Riyadh
Yanbu

germany
united arab emirates Nurenberg
Dubai uae
united arab emirates
Dubai
Abu Dhabi
egypt Abu Dhabi
Cairo
morocco
Agadir
united arab emirates nigeria
Dubai Lagos
saudi arabia
Riyadh united arab emirates
Abu Dhabi

united arab emirates united arab emirates

turkey
Dubai Dubai
Istanbul
86

Distribution-AA36-2.indd 86 12/06/2014 15:30

 DISTRIBUTION

syria jordan
Damascus Amman
united arab emirates
Dubai

united arab emirates united arab emirates

Dubai Dubai
jordan united arab emirates
Amman Dubai

united arab emirates united arab emirates

Dubai Dubai
bahrain
Manama
egypt
Cairo
jordan
Aqaba qatar
saudi arabia
uae Doha
Dammam
Jeddah Dubai
egypt
Madinah Cairo
Riyadh

uae
lebanon Ras Al Khaimah
Beirut
kuwait kuwait
Kuwait Kuwait City

jordan
kingdom of saudi arabia Amman
Riyadh
syria
saudi arabia
Damas
Jeddah
united arab emirates
Dubai
uk
kingdom of saudi arabia
Biggin Hill
Jeddah
bahrain saudi arabia
Amwaj Island Jeddah
jordan india united arab emirates
Amman (Arab Wings) Mumbai Dubai
united arab emirates monaco
united arab emirates
Sharjah (Gulf Wings)
Abu Dhabi

united arab emirates

Dubai
saudi arabia
egypt saudi arabia
Jeddah
Cairo Jeddah
Madinah
Riyadh
Riyadh
Dammam
united arab emirates Madinah
Dubai egypt
Cairo
egypt north sudan
Cairo Khartoum
south soudan
lebanon Juba
Beirut
87

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XP Address Book+Masthead-AA36.qxp_XP Address Book+Masthead-AA36 12/06/2014 15:30 Page88
ADDRESS BOOK
TARMAC NEWS
Abu Dhabi Airports Corporation
www.adac.ae
Airbus
www.airbuscorporatejets.com
Amac Aerospace
www.amacaerospace.com
Amjet Executive
www.amjetexecutive.com
Aviation Link
www.aviation-link.com
BBA Aviation Flight Support
www.bbaaviation.com
Dassault Aviation
www.dassault.fr
DC Aviation
www.dc-aviation.ae
EAN Aviation
www.evergreenapple.com
Embraer
www.embraer.com
Empire Aviation Group
www.empire.aero
Execujet Middle East
www.execujet.com
Elit’Avia
www.elitavia.com
Four Seasons
www.fourseasons.com
Gainjet
www.gainjet.com
Gama Aviation
www.gamaaviation.com
Greenpoint Technologies
www.greenpnt.com
Haitec Aircraft Maintenance
www.haitec.aero
Honda Jet
www.hondajet.honda.com
Infinity Support Services
www.infinitysupports.com
Jet Aviation
www.jetaviation.com
JetEx Flight Support
www.jetex.com
Luxaviation
www.luxaviation.lu
Marshall Aviation services
www.marshallas.com
MD Helicopters
www.mdhelicopters.com
Middle East Business Aviation
Association
www.mebaa.com
Mubadala
www.mubadala.com
Nasjet
www.nasjet.com.sa
Nextant Aerospace
www.nextantaerosapce.com
OHS Aviation Services
www.ohs-aviationservices.de
Private Jet Central
www.privatejetcentral.com
88
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www.velingtayara.aero
CEO & Group Publisher:
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INTERVIEW
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FBO and Airport lounges targeted circulation: U.A.E, Oman, Bahrain,
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 2530 Mebaa generic advert Altitudes 27.0 x 22.8cm-3.pdf 05/08/2013 8:15:07 PM

CM

MY

CY

CMY

Business Central Towers

Tower B, Office 3101
Sheikh Zayed Road
P O Box 117733, Dubai, UAE
T +971 4 435 6670
F +971 4 457 4065
XP Welcome Aboard-Ali Al Naqbi-AA36.qxp_XP Welcome Aboard-Ali Al Naqbi-AA36 12/06/2014 15:31 Page90
WELCOME ABOARD
Should it be based on threat
perceptions or follow the Airlines?
Ever since the horrific events of 9/11, the world
has accepted that Air Transportation will never again be the same.
Although more attention has been focu-
sed on the large commercial airlines, the
consequences are also felt on the busi-
ness aviation (BA) community. This is
partly due to the inadvertent application
of commercial airline regulations, be-
cause of concerns for BA security. Busi-
ness Aviation has been advocating
effective security provisions commensu-
rate to the threat perception of each type
of operation. It has been discussed at
many security forums and concluded
that BA operations are different and war-
rant separate solutions. Security regula-
tors have searched for suitable solutions,
trying to determine how best to handle
BA security. The answer isn’t obvious for
many reasons, not least being the diverse
nature of BA operations and the signifi-
cant differences in how the states view
BA and its socio-economic impact.
If we compare aviation security
concerns to aviation safety, many states
have developed excellent procedures
for consulting those affected by
change. The same cannot be said for
the development of security rules. Rules
developed without adequate consulta-
tions are ineffective and so there is a
need to establish programs equivalent
to those so successful for aviation sa-
fety. The principle of matching security
to the threat perception ought to be
universal. The threat related to a large
commercial aircraft operating from a
major airport like Dubai is not the same
as an air taxi operation from a remote
airport. Nor is it the same for an aerial
spraying aircraft or an aircraft engaged
in fire suppression at an oil field. Mat-
ching security provisions to the threats
perceived is made more perplexing due
to the nature of BA operations that are
non-commercial but private.
By Ali Al Naqbi, Founding Chairman, Middle East Business Aviation Association (MEBAA)
BA Security requirements
They are not readily available to public,
passengers are known with background
checks in place and the size of aircraft
varyies from single piston engine aircraft
to large BBJ/ACJ. Business Aviation’s pri-
mary focus is on corporate aircraft flown
by professional crew and managed by
established flight departments which
operate on an average 500 flight hours
per annum on a non- scheduled basis.
Passengers are either employees who fly
daily or well-known clients. Security in
this environment cannot be “one size fits
all”. One significant aspect is the security
that companies have voluntarily impo-
sed. Many companies possess and ope-
rate business aircraft for security reasons
and corporations often employ highly
trained staff who also have responsibility
for flight department security.
The challenges of defining a general se-
curity standards for business aviation
need to consider the following factors
namely, thorough definition of threat per-
ceived and assessed commensurate to
the size and scale of operations, develop-
ment of BA security standards and Air-
port security inclusive of definition of
“sterile” area appropriate.
International standards like IS-BAO ad-
dresses some in a generic way but may
need regulatory framework to ensure
positive compliance. However, one of
the key links in the overall Airport secu-
rity standards is the complex item to es-
tablish in a standardized manner. The
security restricted area requires among
other things, background checks on all
who access the area and for all scree-
ning conducted by a certified screener.
The establishment of restricted areas
would be costly for regulators if applied
to business aviation areas. The Interna-
tional Business Aviation Council (IBAC)
of which MEBAA is a member, delibera-
ted on this and the proposed solution is
to incorporate within the International
Civil Aviation (ICAO) Standards a secon-
dary level of security procedures appli-
cable to business aviation. Security
program zones for business aircraft ope-
ration areas shall be defined by airport
and security authorities, allowing mea-
sures to match the level of threat. The
principle behind the security program
zone is the delegation of responsibilities
to private agencies like FBOs which may
be assigned responsibilities for provi-
ding security. Under this flexible ap-
proach, security program for a facility
close to major terminals may be restric-
tive. IBAC recommendations are respon-
sive to needs of business aviation. The
preferred action is to have security rules
that are tailored to the threat.
It’s my opinion that this is an appro-
priate and relevant topic for discussion
in a MEBAA forum to arrive at a
consensus on the regulations peculiar
to business aviation. ■
XP Pub Oceanco-AA36_XP Pub Oceanco-AA36 12/06/14 16:41 Page1
MIDDLE EAST | |

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