The Team Elevating Private Aviation in the Middle East
This article originally appeared in our Air Partner Spring/Summer 2025 Magazine.
Dubai is the heartbeat of the Middle East and one of the world's most undeniably dynamic cities. With its iconic skyline and renowned luxury tourism infrastructure, it has firmly established itself as the vibrant economic hub of the UAE and the wider region. Popular with both business and leisure travellers, the demand for exceptionally high-end services here is ever-growing.
As the leading private aviation broker in the region, Air Partner Dubai’s dedicated team of experts caters to an elite clientele, from royal families and government entities to VIPs and senior corporate executives. An integral part of Air Partner’s global network, the Dubai team’s unrivalled industry relationships and deep understanding of the Middle East allow them to maintain uncompromising standards of excellence for every flight. Here’s your opportunity to meet the people behind this seamless operation.
How does the Dubai office's regional expertise benefit Air Partner's global clients?
"Our extensive knowledge of the UAE and the Middle East gives our global clients a significant advantage. Whether it's securing last-minute landing permits or navigating complex regional regulations, our team’s on-the-ground experience and strong industry relationships ensure smooth, efficient solutions, often when time is critical.
We collaborate with our global Air Partner colleagues daily, and in this industry, teamwork really does make the dream work. Recently, I worked alongside our Italian team to coordinate a charter for one of our UAE clients, leveraging their local connections and language skills to make sure the journey was impeccable. It's this global network, anchored by regional knowledge, that helps to guarantee an exceptional experience, no matter where you’re flying."
- Maria Maia, Account Manager – Private Jets
Are there any destinations trending amongst your clientele at the moment?
"Through the winter months, our clients have a propensity to head to Europe's top alpine resorts, such as Gstaad, St. Moritz, or Chamonix. Come summer, Europe remains a sought-after destination, but the focus shifts to glamorous beach escapes, high-profile events, and private yacht charters. The Côte d'Azur, the Amalfi Coast, and Mykonos are particularly popular thanks to their beauty and sophisticated social scene.
For travelers seeking something more secluded, the Maldives and Seychelles are perennial favourites. Meanwhile, the convenience and efficiency of private jets keep year-round demand high among corporate travelers, with London, Paris, New York, and Singapore being among the most requested routes."
- Sanooj Satheesan, Senior Account Manager – Private Jets
How do you ensure every journey is exceptional?
"Being acutely aware of your client's needs and preferences is key to delivering an exceptional, personalised service. While flawless logistics, such as securing the most convenient aircraft and airport slots, are essential, it's the bespoke details that truly set our offering apart. We tailor every aspect of the journey to each client, from arranging their preferred ground transportation and ensuring discreet boarding to organizing their favorite catering and ensuring our crew speaks their language.
Flexibility is also crucial, as we appreciate that our customers’ schedules can change at a moment’s notice, so we always have a Plan B in place. We only work with operators of the very highest standard, but if any unforeseen issues do arise, we are either there in person or just a phone call away and will resolve them immediately."
- Max Esiri, Account Manager – Private Jets
If an Air Partner client is seeking a unique luxury experience in the Middle East, what would you recommend?
"There is so much to discover in the Middle East, but my top tip is to combine the splendour of Dubai with Saudi Arabia’s emerging high-end scene, creating a dual-destination getaway that lets you experience the best of both countries.
Begin in Dubai, where you can immerse yourself in world-class shopping, fine dining, and the city’s famous energy. A stay at the opulent Atlantis The Royal or the legendary Burj Al Arab Jumeirah will not disappoint. From there, continue to Saudi Arabia, where the pristine shores of the Red Sea are home to impressive resorts like Shebara and the St. Regis, offering the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure.
Alternatively, if the desert calls to you, the ultra-luxurious Banyan Tree AlUla delivers sweeping views, fabulous stargazing, and exclusive cultural experiences, making it hard to beat."
- Deema Al Refaie, Sales Manager – Private Jets
Tell us about the most challenging charter request you've ever received.
"One of the most rewarding yet demanding requests I’ve handled was arranging a group charter flight for a world peacekeeping organization. While the route from Seoul to Tokyo was relatively straightforward, working across different cultures, managing language barriers and translators, and coordinating the travel of 125 people presented unique challenges.
The contract process was also incredibly intricate and required physical couriering of the signed agreement to the airline. Regulatory issues that were out of our control then added to the pressure. However, through seamless collaboration and proactive problem-solving, we ensured the flight departed on schedule."
- Tanay Bansal, Business Manager – Private Jets
What distinguishes Air Partner from other private aviation services in the Middle East?
"With a rich history spanning over 60 years, Air Partner is one of the world’s longest-standing and most respected private aviation providers, bringing a legacy of reliability, safety, and excellence to the Middle East market. What sets us apart is our extensive global network, deep-rooted expertise, and unwavering commitment to delivering an extraordinarily high level of personalised, 24/7 service.
As a business, we invest considerable time in truly understanding each client’s individual needs, making sure we not only meet but consistently exceed expectations. Whether it’s a large group movement or a highly bespoke executive charter, our clients trust us to be one step ahead, mitigating challenges before they arise and ensuring every flight runs smoothly. It’s this meticulous attention to detail, paired with a genuine dedication to delivering unparalleled service, that gives our clients complete peace of mind."
- Jobby George, General Manager, Middle East
If you would like to discuss your private jet charter requirements with our team of experts, please contact us.
