en.Wedoany.com Reported - DC Aviation Al-Futtaim (DCAF) has added a fully managed Airbus ACJ318 Elite+ aircraft to expand its charter fleet. The aircraft has been refurbished and is scheduled to enter service at the end of June, and will be permanently stationed at DCAF's integrated hangar and VIP lounge facilities at Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) in Dubai South.

This move comes amid continued growth in business aviation activity in the region. According to Jetnet industry flight data, which integrates WINGX flight activity intelligence, business jet operations in the Middle East grew 7.7% year-on-year in 2025, making it one of the fastest-growing private aviation markets globally.

Holger Ostheimer, Managing Director of DCAF, stated that this addition builds on DC Aviation Group's long-standing experience of over 25 years in operating Airbus business jets. Ostheimer noted that the Airbus ACJ318 Elite+ can further enhance services for clients seeking long-distance non-stop travel with the highest levels of privacy, comfort, and flexibility. "Whether serving royalty, heads of state, or large family groups, this aircraft allows guests to work, dine, or relax in a premium environment," Ostheimer said. Over the past 12 to 18 months, there has been a significant shift in client preferences, with increasing demand for larger cabin aircraft capable of non-stop intercontinental flights, driven primarily by family offices, government entities, and corporate executives.

Over the past eight years, demand for long-range and ultra-long-range private aviation missions in the region is estimated to have grown by 20%, while more than 60% of private jet clients now prefer to fly direct when operational conditions permit. The ACJ318 Elite+ offers direct connections between Dubai and destinations such as London and Singapore. The aircraft is certified to carry 19 passengers, with a maximum of 21 seats, and features a dining area, lounge, VIP lavatory, and a private suite with an en-suite bathroom that can be used as a bedroom or office.

DCAF will fully manage and maintain this aircraft in-house at its Dubai South maintenance facility.

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