Matt Thurber, editor-in-chief at AIN Media Group, has been flying since 1975 and writing about aviation since 1978 and now has the best job in the world, running editorial operations for Aviation International News, Business Jet Traveler, and FutureFlight.aero. In addition to working as an A&amp;P mechanic on everything from Piper Cubs to turboprops, Matt taught flying at his father’s flight school in Plymouth, Mass., in the early 1980s, flew for an aircraft owner/pilot, and for two summer seasons hunted swordfish near the George’s Banks off the East Coast from a Piper Super Cub. An ATP certificated fixed-wing pilot and CFII and commercial helicopter pilot, Matt is type-rated in the Citation 500 and Gulfstream V/550. Based in the Pacific Northwest, Matt and his team cover the entire aviation scene including business aircraft, helicopters, avionics, safety, manufacturing, charter, fractionals, technology, air transport, advanced air mobility, defense, and other subjects of interest to AIN, BJT, and FutureFlight readers.

Editor-in-Chief

Bombardier manufactures a variety of business aircraft models, provides engineering, and aircraft maintenance services.

Matt Thurber

DC Aviation Al-Futtaim VIP Terminal (DCAF) has seen significant growth in charter demand and expanded its charter fleet with a variety of business aircraft. The smallest model is a Pilatus PC-12 turboprop single and the largest a Bombardier Global 7500, one of two that are available for Middle East charter missions. The other additions include a Bombardier Global XRS and Challenger 604 and two Hawker 4000s.&nbsp;
“We are excited to offer these aircraft to our clients, as it marks a key milestone in our journey of expanding services and meeting the rising demand in the private aviation sector,” said, Holger Ostheimer, managing director of DCAF. “The growth of the charter market in the region reflects a significant shift towards greater convenience, privacy, and flexibility, which our services are designed to deliver. This fleet expansion reinforces our commitment to excellence, offering clients an unparalleled travel experience with the highest standards of safety and luxury.”
Driving the growth of the charter market is a higher number of high-net-worth individuals in the Middle East, which by some estimates has climbed 55% over the past decade to 68,000 in 2023. By the end of 2024, another 6,400 millionaires will be added, and the charter market is expected to grow by 5% through 2030, according to DCAF.&nbsp;
The company will serve this growing market with the additional aircraft, with the Global 7500 capable of trips from Dubai to New York, Brazil, and South Africa. Mid- to long-range routes can be flown by the Hawker 4000s and Challenger 604, while the PC-12 will be available for short regional flights. &nbsp;All of the new aircraft are Wi-Fi-equipped and carry cabin attendants trained in VIP services.
“Charter flights offer an unparalleled combination of flexibility and convenience that aligns perfectly with the evolving needs of our VVIP clientele,” said Paul James, DCAF director of sales and aircraft management. “Whether it’s for a business trip to Europe, a leisure vacation in Africa, or a long-haul flight to the Americas, our new fleet enables us to cater to all travel preferences, from short regional hops to ultra-long-range global flights.”

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