- May 10, 2021, 7:30 AM
Dubai-based Empire Aviation Group has seen demand for charter continue despite Covid and, with the exception of March, every month has been strong since July of last year. (Photo: Empire Aviation Group)
Aside from scheduled cargo, business jet activity has been the only sector in Middle East aviation to prosper during the pandemic, as the dearth of recent airline activity has forced more people to look into air charter or even business aircraft ownership. But the practical realities of day-to-day restrictions have made aircraft operators’ lives difficult.
Factors complicating missions have included border closures, differing immigration rules that often change daily, lockdowns that limit access to suppliers and amenities, health screenings and long quarantine periods restricting crew entry and crew rest, reduced airport opening hours, and manpower shortages.