Large-cabin jet charter operator Vertis Aviation announced here at MEBAA a strategic partnership to support and develop charter broker JetSmarter’s new Dubai-London shuttle service. The shuttles are shared flights available on a per-seat basis to JetSmarter members. Vertis was integral in providing the first aircraft JetSmarter utilized in the region, an Embraer Legacy 650.

“JetSmarter identified that a certain sector of the market demanded regular, cost-effective intercontinental charter that links the UAE region, the UK and the USA, and approached us to help source the right aircraft,” said Vertis chief commercial officer (COO) Catherine Buchanan. “We really like what JetSmarter is doing and believe the shared-aircraft model is a perfect solution for the local charter market. There is a growing demand in the region for this kind of service, so we are extremely pleased to be their local strategic partner, and look forward to helping them develop here.”

Vertis also announced the promotion of Buchanan, the former general manager of the company’s Dubai office, to COO at the start of the MEBAA Show.

Switzerland-based Vertis operates from the Middle East, Europe and South Africa with a charter fleet that includes three ACJ319s, a BBJ, Gulfstream G450 and G650, a Bombardier Global 6000, XRS, and Challenger 350.