Empire Aviation Group

Established in Dubai in 2007 by co-founders Paras P. Dhamecha and Steve Hartley, Empire Aviation Group provides integrated private aviation services. Dhamecha, the Founder and Managing Director, holds a Bachelor of Science in Management from Purdue University and is a certified business jet pilot. His prior experience includes co-founding Elite Jets and serving as an operations manager. Hartley, the Executive Director, holds a US Airline Transport Pilot's Licence and a UAE Pilot's Licence. The duo launched Empire Aviation with a focus on an asset management approach, a model differentiated from simply owning and chartering jets.

The company's core business revolves around a comprehensive suite of services for private jet owners and charter clients. Its business model is centered on aircraft asset management, which involves acquiring, managing, and operating jets on behalf of owners to preserve the aircraft's long-term value. This service includes handling all operational details, such as crew management, maintenance oversight, and flight planning. Revenue is generated through fees for these management services. Additionally, the company offers aircraft charter services, making some of the managed fleet available to the charter market, which can help owners offset ownership costs. Empire Aviation also facilitates aircraft sales and acquisitions and provides Continuing Airworthiness Management Organisation (CAMO) services.

Empire Aviation Group serves high-net-worth individuals, corporate clients, and government entities. The company manages one of the largest fleets of business jets in the Middle East, with over 20 aircraft under management. The managed fleet includes a variety of jets from major manufacturers like Gulfstream, Bombardier, Embraer, and Dassault, and recently added a Boeing Business Jet (BBJ). Operations are global, with a strong presence in the UAE, and extending to Europe, India, Africa, and Indonesia. The company holds Air Operator Certificates (AOCs) from both the UAE and San Marino, enabling worldwide commercial operations. Significant milestones include numerous 'Aircraft Management Service Provider of the Year' awards and being named 'Business Aircraft Operator of the Year' in 2020.

Keywords: private aviation, aircraft management, jet charter, aircraft sales, asset management, business jets, Dubai aviation, aircraft acquisition, CAMO services, flight operations, Paras P. Dhamecha, Steve Hartley, luxury travel, Middle East aviation, business jet operator, Gulfstream, Bombardier, Embraer, corporate travel, VIP charter