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After a year of expansion into the U.S. and Europe in 2018, Dubai-based Titan Aviation has added new international AOC and other approvals in the last three years to become a global company, and is looking to more than double its managed fleet to 50 aircraft in the next two years.

“2018 has been a year of expansion,” Sakeer Sheik, managing director, Titan Aviation Group, told AIN during a brief stop in Dubai on the way from the U.S. to India. “Besides physically [moving] into Europe and the U.S., the company has also taken a decision to launch [operations] into Asia-Pacific with immediate effect. Further, a global sales plan is being implemented, with key positions being filled by qualified professionals,” The sales plan covers aircraft management, aircraft sales and charters, he said.

Titan has four international approvals that pave the way for global operations: a U.S. Part 135 charter certificate, a San Marino AOC, a Cayman Private Flight Operations Approval, and an Indian AOC.

“[These approvals give] our clients the best of solutions, based on their region of preference to position their jet. We have owners from different parts of the world, not just India. We are a Dubai-based company and represent owners from the Middle East, Europe, the U.S., and also from India,” he said.

Sheik said he expects fleet size to reach 50 aircraft by 2020. “We have a mixed fleet, the largest being an Embraer Lineage 1000 and the smallest being an Embraer Phenom 100, as well as helicopters. Not every aircraft is available for charter. The Asia and Middle East regions have the majority of our jets, followed by Europe and the U.S. Our owners prefer long-distance, widebody jets. We see [most of the] interest in this category.”

At last year’s NBAA show, Titan claimed to have logged 5,500 revenue hours per year in its charter operations.

He confirmed comment elsewhere in the market that the transition to FBOs at Dubai’s DWC is well underway. “For any operator, services provided by companies like Jetex Flight Support or ExecuJet, for example, are attracting more people to DWC. Some used to use [FBOs in other locations], but then found better facilities at DWC. At least two of our owners [have moved] to DWC. It is a bit more expensive, but with better service levels. The facilities really did attract many new customers,” he said.

“At the end of the day, people who own business jets have their own needs, and specific reasons to use different FBO or airport options. We have found in the last six months that many people are choosing to go into DWC, or around 60 percent of our owners.”

Sheik holds multiple academic and technical qualifications in aviation, including an MBA in Aviation from the U.S., in addition to pilot licenses. “After obtaining my pilot’s license, I set up my own flight school in India in 1995. I then attended Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and obtained my second masters in 2002. We launched Titan Aviation in Dubai in 2004.”

Middle East-based air-ambulance operations are limited but are likely to prove rewarding with the recent withdrawal from that market of Abu Dhabi-based charter specialist, Royal Jet. “We are in the process of re-launching [medevac] in the first quarter of 2019,” he said.

The decision of the Indian authorities to open the field up to third-party aircraft management is also an opportunity for Titan Aviation. “This is a great move that happened in a timely manner. I hope external factors don’t come into play in between. We have set up our management business there, and it is strong and growing. It is in a good position in terms of the regulatory requirements,” he said.

“In understanding how the model works, we are in a much better position to take advantage, and take part in sharing what we learned from doing business in Europe and the U.S.”

Sheik is well versed in business aviation activities throughout the Gulf Cooperation Council region. “We manage one aircraft based in Kuwait. Kuwait has good users of the jet and we have been operating there since 2008. Many owners and users prefer to keep their flying habits very private.

“Bahrain has been a good charter market for many years, but with more inbound traffic,” he continued. “We have started seeing an increase of flights into Oman, with Muscat and Salalah being picked up as destinations. This is very promising.”

The Chennai floods in 2015 proved a serious setback to the company, when eight aircraft, including a Global 6000 and a Gulfstream G200, were damaged beyond repair after monsoon rains at Chennai Airport. But Sheik now regards the incident as a pivotal moment in the company’s history.

“Ours was the management company worst affected by the Chennai floods. But I am a strong believer in working harder in the face of adversity. We reassessed the situation and decided to expand into new territories, within India and abroad and went ahead with Europe and U.S. plans.”

“The industry is going through an exciting phase. The mid-2000s saw business-jet sales increase for the first time outside the U.S., but, post-2008, our industry struggled. Now, we see the changes, with the U.S. showing very strong signs of stability. As we all know, our business is very cyclical and, for companies like Titan Aviation, it helps to [run] multiple global locations to offset disturbances in any particular region.”

Dubai-based Titan Aviation has placed a Gulfstream G-V, which it has been operating on behalf of a private owner since delivery in October, on San Marino’s register. Captain Sakeer Sheik outlines the advantages of the move: “Our decision was born primarily out of the convenience of intended operations in Europe.”

“We find from a day to day operational point of view that the staff in San Marino are a breath of fresh air to work with. The team has an attitude that nothing is too much bother.”

Captain Sheik has presented last minute requests in light of operational changes, and says that these requests are always accommodated. “Even if we contact them outside of working hours, or over a weekend, they are happy to help. When they do come across something that doesn’t quite fit the box, they seek clarification from the legislation, and are generally able to offer a solution, within 48 hours. They have a good team behind the scenes, with an extremely high level of experience.”

Titan now intends to transfer other aircraft onto the registry.

The Gulfstream G – 550 Interiors : A Video Overview

MONTREAL/ZHUHAI, China (Reuters) – Chinese companies and individuals are selling more used private planes than in previous years as economic growth slows in China, and U.S. buyers are snapping up hard-to-find models, according to interviews with business jet analysts, dealers and consultants.

“Luxuries like private jets are often the first things to be parted with as the companies can no longer afford or justify them,” said James Coak, vice president of international business development for Titan Aviation.

So far this year, 15 of 268 business jets operating, based or registered in China have been sold outside of the country, compared with an annual average of 10 from 2014 to 2017, according to FlightAscend Consultancy data.

Total used sales from China are expected to reach about 20 this year, FlightAscend senior valuations analyst Daniel Hall said.

Half of this year’s sales so far have landed in the United States, Hall said, where a sluggish business jet market in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis is turning around partly due to more favorable U.S. tax laws for corporate aircraft ownership.

The uptick in U.S. demand has coincided with a decline in business optimism by private jet operators, owners and financiers in China, according to a survey by Hong Kong-based business aviation specialist Asian Sky Group.

“My email is full of advertisements from brokers or inquiries from owners every day with aircraft for sale,” Jackie Wu, president of Hong Kong-based private jet consultancy JetSolution Aviation Group, said in an email.

Wu has seen a near-23 percent rise in sales from Greater China year-to-date, compared with the year-ago period, she said.

The biennial Airshow China, the country’s largest, runs this week in the coastal city of Zhuhai, where Gulfstream and other planemakers are looking to sell new jets.

Among pre-owned Chinese planes recently sold, according to FlightAscend, are younger Gulfstream models such as the popular large-cabin G550, which can fly nonstop from Shanghai to Los Angeles.

Reuters could not determine the identity of the sellers or buyers.

Only 5 percent of the G550’s worldwide fleet of 556 aircraft is for sale, according to data from Asian Sky Group. Typically, 6 to 9 percent of some 21,284 business jets worldwide can be found on the secondhand market, where dealers say the supply of pre-owned planes overall is shrinking, helping to prop up values.

Reuters could not determine prices for second-hand G550s, but according to industry data cited by JetSolution, the market price for a 10-year-old Gulfstream G450 is around $11 million compared with a $38.9 million list price in 2008.

According to FlightGlobal Values Analyzer data, business jets have lost an average of 7.1 percent in market value over the year. By contrast, business jets depreciated 11.6 percent from 2016 to 2017.

Last month, Reuters reported that cash-strapped Chinese conglomerate HNA Group Co Ltd [HNAIRC.UL] was selling its corporate “Dream Jet” sporting a “seven-star” hotel-style cabin.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (October 16, 2018) – Titan Aviation, an international provider of aircraft management, aircraft sales, and aircraft charter, recently opened an office inside Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. Titan Aviation also recently established its United States headquarters in Morristown, New Jersey.

Titan Aviation’s globally-managed fleet of nearly 30 aircraft includes a variety of options, from light jets to ultra-long-range aircraft. Among the aircraft available to charter are a Challenger 650 which carries up to 12 passengers and travels 4,600 miles, or eight hours, in one non-stop flight, Lineage 1000, Bombardier Global 6000, Legacy 650, and Gulfstream GV.

“We are excited to open a new office in the heart of the lucrative private aviation corridor between West Palm Beach and Miami,” said Captain Sakeer C. Sheik, founder and chairman of Titan Aviation.

“We see tremendous growth potential in the South Florida market, and look forward to introducing what large, mass-charter companies cannot offer, such as direct access to management and dedicated client service representatives day or night.”

A recent study by Harvard University identified air charter as the most cost-effective way to travel when lost labor hours and an individual’s productivity is considered.

“South Florida business professionals know time is money; our aircraft can be ready in less than three hours,” said Michelle Gamble, director of jet charter marketing and based in Fort Lauderdale. “Private jet charter clients arrive at their destination less stressed and arrive home with more work done,” added Gamble.

Founded in 2004, the expansion brings Titan Aviation’s international experience to Miami. As a gateway to South America and the Caribbean, Miami is where millions travel globally for business and leisure. Titan Aviation’s international experience includes Europe, Dubai, India, and other markets that operate under the highest levels of jurisdictional oversight. This background has equipped the aviation services provider with a high degree of professionalism, safety, quality, and customer care.

Titan Aviation has earned many industry accreditations, including ARGUS and Wyvern. Titan Aviation is also a member of the Air Charter Safety Foundation (ACSF), the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), Business Aircraft Operators Association (BAOA), and the Asian Business Aviation Association (AsBAA). Titan Aviation also abides by the International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations (IS-BAO), demonstrating a commitment to the highest levels of safety in personal, business and charter aviation through the promotion and facilitation of risk management programs. Titan Aviation is one of just a few organizations to have earned all of these accreditations and affiliations.

Titan Aviation is gearing up for a series of major announcements in the fourth quarter of 2018.

“Our target is to have 50 jets in the USA before 2020,” says Sheik. To achieve this goal, Sheik says the company is looking at medevac aircraft, which can be converted into a VIP charter aircraft. Titan Aviation is located online at tajets.aero. For more information about Titan Aviation, please email info@tajets.aero or call 1-833-TA.JET.US (825-3887).

Media Contact: For interviews and additional information, please contact Dave Bloom of Bloom PR at dave.bloom@ournewsroom.com or (954) 334-5822.

MORRISTOWN, N.J. (October 25, 2018) – Titan Aviation, an international provider of aircraft management, aircraft sales, and aircraft charter, recently opened its United States headquarters inside Morristown Municipal Airport.

Titan Aviation also recently opened an office at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Titan Aviation’s globally-managed fleet of nearly 30 aircraft includes a variety of options, from light jets to ultra-long-range aircraft.

Among the aircraft available to charter are a Challenger 650 which carries up to 12 passengers and travels 4,600 miles, or eight hours, in one non-stop flight, Lineage 1000, Bombardier Global 6000, Legacy 650, and Gulfstream GV.

“We are excited to open a new office in the heart of the lucrative private aviation metros of New York City and New Jersey,” said Captain Sakeer C. Sheik, founder and chairman of Titan Aviation. “We see tremendous growth potential in the market, and look forward to introducing what large, mass-charter companies cannot offer, such as direct access to management and dedicated client service representatives day or night.”

A study by Harvard University identified air charter as the most cost-effective way to travel when lost labour hours and an individual’s productivity is considered.

“New York metro area business professionals know time is money; our aircraft can be ready in less than three hours,” said Horm Irani, general manager of Titan Aviation. “Private jet charter clients arrive at their destination less stressed and arrive home with more work done,” added Irani.

The expansion brings Titan Aviation’s international experience to New Jersey, a hotspot for business travelers. Titan Aviation’s international experience includes Europe, Dubai, India, and other markets that operate under the highest levels of jurisdictional oversight. This background has equipped the aviation services provider with a high degree of professionalism, safety, quality, and customer care.

Titan Aviation is gearing up for a series of major announcements in the fourth quarter of 2018.

“Our target is to have 50 jets in the USA before 2020,” says Sheik. To achieve this goal, Sheik says the company is looking at medevac aircraft, which can be converted into a VIP charter aircraft.

MORRISTOWN, N.J. (October 16, 2018) – Titan Aviation, a global provider of aircraft management, aircraft sales, and aircraft charter has announced the addition of the highly acclaimed Bombardier Challenger 650 (CL650) to its impressive fleet of nearly 30 managed global aircraft.

The large-cabin CL650 carries up to 12 passengers, two pilots, and one flight attendant a total of 4,600 miles, or eight hours, in one non-stop flight. This makes it easy to cross the Atlantic Ocean, or to travel to Asia or the Middle East with one hop.

The state-of-the-art CL650 is capable of a top speed of 647 mph and a cruise speed of 609 mph. The aircraft, built by Canada’s Bombardier Aerospace, will be based in Europe. However, the CL650’s floating base means it is available for charter anywhere in the U.S., Europe, and Asia.

“By adding this jet to our fleet, we can offer multiple options to our valuable charter clients, most of whom have many passengers on any given trip,” said Captain Sakeer C. Sheik, founder and chairman of Titan Aviation. “Our nearest competitor cannot carry so many passengers on such long sectors.”

The Challenger aircraft platform is very reliable and has accumulated more than four million flight hours. “We found that the CL650’s proven track record is very attractive, combined with lower operating costs and much better passenger comfort than competitors’ offerings,” added Sheik.

In fact, the CL650 treats passengers to a smoother ride than nearly any plane in its class, because Bombardier equips all planes with specially-designed wings. The CL650 includes a Bluetooth-enabled cabin environment and entertainment system, plus on-board Wi-Fi.

In the forward section of the CL650 are four facing, swiveling, and reclining leather club seats. In the middle of the plane is the conference area, comprised of four more facing seats, a four-seat divan, and a pop-up table. The forward seating and divan configurations also convert into beds for long flights.

For leisure travelers, the aircraft provides plenty of space and several in-flight entertainment options. Passengers can also carry ample baggage without affecting the performance of the jet.

The Challenger 650 entered service in 2015. It was first introduced at the 2014 National Business Aviation Conference (NBAA) in Orlando. The aircraft joins Titan Aviation’s globally-managed fleet which includes a variety of options, from light jets to ultra-long-range aircraft. Among the aircraft available to charter are a Lineage 1000, Bombardier Global 6000, Legacy 650, and Gulfstream GV.

Titan Aviation recently opened its United States headquarters at Morristown Municipal Airport, just west of New York City, as well as a South Florida office at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.

Titan Aviation’s international experience includes Europe, Dubai, India, and other markets that operate under the highest levels of jurisdictional oversight. This background has equipped Titan Aviation with a high degree of professionalism, safety, quality, integrity and customer care.

Titan Aviation has earned many industry accreditations, including ARGUS and Wyvern. Titan Aviation is also a member of the Air Charter Safety Foundation (ACSF), the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), Business Aircraft Operators Association (BAOA), and the Asian Business Aviation Association (AsBAA). Titan Aviation abides by the International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations (IS-BAO), demonstrating a commitment to the highest levels of safety in personal, business and charter aviation through the promotion and facilitation of risk management programs. Titan Aviation is one of just a few organizations to have earned all of these accreditations and affiliations.

TO LEARN MORE: Titan Aviation is online at tajets.aero. For more information about Titan Aviation, please email info@tajets.aero or call 1-833-TA.JET.US (825-3887).

MEDIA CONTACT: For interviews, digital images, or additional information, please contact Dave Bloom of Bloom PR at dave.bloom@ournewsroom.com or (954) 334-5822.

Titan Aviation Goes Global With New AOCs And Multi-national Experts Piloting Ambitious Worldwide Growth Strategy

GENEVA (May 29, 2018) – Titan Aviation, a leading provider of aircraft management, aircraft sales and air charter services in the Middle East and India, has secured two new international Air Operator Certificates (AOC) and laid out its ambitious global growth strategy at EBACE 2018 – Europe’s premier aviation event. Having recently obtained an AOC from San Marino and FAA Part 135 charter operator certification, adding to its existing EASA, Cayman and DGCA accreditations, Titan Aviation’s immediate growth strategy has already seen the Dubai-headquartered company – now in its 14th year of operation with Titan Aviation India launching nine years ago – open eight new bases across Europe and the USA, and hugely strengthen its operations team.

“We are growing and expanding into the global market with the latest two certifications facilitating our international aircraft management and charter business with aircraft registered in San Marino or the USA now flying all over the world,” said Capt. Sakeer Sheik, Founder and Chairman, Titan Aviation Group. With offices in San Marino, Italy, Germany, France, the UK, Florida, New Jersey and New York, Titan now has 25 aircraft in its globally managed fleet, including Lineage 1000, Bombardier Global 6000, Legacy 650 and Gulfstream, with several available for charter. “Our target is to have 20 jets under management in Europe within two years and 50 in the USA within the same timescale of 2020,” explained Sheik. “The new AOC’s and offices leave us well placed to reach these aims. We are now servicing the main European and American business and leisure destinations preferred by our clients in the Middle East and India, while providing seamless access to and from the USA and Europe.”

Titan’s new global operations team heading up the growth program includes: Captain Joachim Bergunde who becomes Head of Europe Base; Henri Lauras as President of Aircraft Sales; Ilaria Cecere who takes on the mantle of Support Services Manager for Europe; James Coak who becomes VP Business Development; Horm Irani, General Manager and Head of US Base; Louis Ridley, Chief Pilot, and Steven Zerilli who joins the Titan board in the USA. “This is a highly-skilled cadre of multi-national experts who bring a deep understanding of US, European and global aviation to the business. As we look to greatly widen our wing print within a jet-speed timeframe, Titan is now offering 360-degree aviation solutions around the clock,” said Sheik.

Titan’s international growth march also includes expanding its influence into the medevac arena, particularly in the UAE where a gap in the market has arisen with the withdrawal of Abu Dhabi’s Royal Jet from the sector. “We are looking at medevac aircraft that can also be converted into a VIP charter aircraft – and we are looking far beyond the Middle East, with our current footprint which is truly global,” added Sheik. As a first step towards a fully-fledged medevac operation, Titan is currently finalizing a partnership with a large hospital group in the United Arab Emirates to provide its specialist medical care operations. Titan Aviation is gearing up for a series of major announcements during the last quarter of 2018.

ABOUT TITAN AVIATION:
Founded in 2004, Titan Aviation has its Global HQ in Dubai, UAE, with an India corporate office based in Bangalore. Titan Aviation offers a wide array of services, including Aircraft Management, Aircraft Charters, Aircraft Sales and Lease, and Aviation HR. Built on a strong business ethos of Trust, Value and Service, Titan Aviation stands out for its responsiveness and transparent business practices. The company boasts a one-of-its-kind offering built on highly-skilled aviation professionals and professional service at a very competitive cost. The Titan Aviation team is spread across all continents and consists of aviation professionals in all
categories of the industry, including General, Corporate and Commercial Aviation.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 28, 2018) – The Air Charter Safety Foundation (ACSF) is pleased to announce that the Titan Aviation Group is the newest charter operator to join the ACSF. Along with 176 other companies, Titan Aviation supports the ACSF’s vision to promote and enable the highest levels of safety in personal, business and charter aviation through the promotion and facilitation of risk management programs.

“At Titan Aviation, safety is at the foundation of all our services,” said Titan Aviation’s US Director of Jet Charter and Marketing, Michelle Gamble. “Our steadfast dedication to passenger safety and security is supported by a comprehensive and ongoing program of internal review and third-party audits. Our membership heightens the validity of our commitment to safety, and we’re very pleased to have the support of the ACSF.”

Titan Aviation has the shared attitude among its team members that safety, above and beyond what is considered regulatory, must be a core value for the company. “The entire company is built around a top-down culture of safety that expects and encourages clear, open dialogue, empowering every team member to be an active contributor to the welfare of its passengers. “We are delighted they have joined the Air Charter Safety Foundation,” said ACSF President Bryan Burns.

Founded in 2004 in Dubai and India by passionate aviation professionals, and more-recently established in the US (and Europe), Titan Aviation stands out for its professional, ethical and transparent business practices. It has developed customized/flexible and ‘turnkey’ private-aviation solutions, built-around Aircraft Management, Aircraft Chartering, Aircraft Sales/Acquisitions and Aviation Consultancy services.

The eleventh edition of Aero India will be held at Air Force Station, Yelahanka, Bengaluru from 14 to 18 Feb 2017.

Aero India has already carved a niche for itself globally as a premier aerospace exhibition, with ten successful editions organised since 1996.As with the previous editions, Titan Aviation will be participating in the AERO INDIA 2017 edition, as a registered aviation services company.

Aero India 2017 will provide a significant platform in bolstering business opportunities in International aviation sector. It has favourably poised an exponential growth over previous edition. A rapidly growing economy, defence preparedness challenges and opening up of defence production to private sector, have given a major fillip to the defence industry in India. It has also become a hub centre for defence business in the Asia.