The UAE & The Middle East – Dubai, Abu Dhabi & Saudi Arabia

Private jet charter in The Middle East

The UAE & The Middle East – Dubai, Abu Dhabi & Saudi Arabia

The Middle East historically has been, and remains, the world’s dominant producer of oil and natural gas, the production and sale of which has fuelled the extraordinary development of the region that has been witnessed over the last 20 years. Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Qatar and Bahrain have all been transformed from small city states into global hubs and have subsequently diversified into centres for financial services, aviation, and world trade, as well as international tourist destinations given the year round sunshine.

Saudi Arabia is the world’s largest exporter of oil and home of Saudi Aramco, widely regarded as the world’s most valuable company.

Given the above, and the continuing economic importance of the region, it should be no surprise to hear that the middle-east is a major player in the aviation world, with continued growth across the sector widely expected. Not only have we seen some of the worlds newest commercial hub airports emerge in recent years, such as Dubai International with its capacity for 75m passengers a year and Qatar, with its brand new Hamad International Airport designed to handle 50m passengers per year, Abu Dhabi even has it’s own dedicated business jet airport in Al Bateen Executive Airport.

Private jet enquiries originating from Dubai and Saudi Arabia in particular continue to be a major source of business for us, and despite the recent falls in oil prices we don’t foresee that changing this year, particularly over the British summer when we tend to see a spike in enquiries from the UAE and wider middle east, as wealthy individuals look to escape the worst of the summer heat and with London continuing to be one of the principal destinations of choice.

Charter a private jet to or from The Middle East with Villiers. Contact us today.

Global wealth based in London

Private Jet Charter London

As Boris Johnson pointed out on his recent trip to New York – London is now home to at least 72 billionaires.

One of the key global cities, and one of Villiers busiest markets – over 27% of our jet charter enquiries either originate or terminate in the Greater London area. The volume of wealth found in London is growing, and with the world fast becoming a smaller place thanks to the effects of globalisation, this is likely to continue, with London being so well placed geo-politically in terms of business.

We are an outward looking company with the ability to look after any possible charter enquiry you may have across the globe, but we haven’t forgotten where we came from. We are aware of London’s place in the world, and have made a conscious effort to ensure that we are stronger and better placed than our competition to take care of your domestic and international private jet charter requirements to or from the capital.

Please contact us with your enquiry, and one of our London based charter team will be in touch to discuss how we can help.

Chinese New Year

Private Jet Charter in China

Chinese New Year

Today is Chinese New Year, and we are saying goodbye to the Year of the Horse and welcoming in the Year of the Goat.

Despite its name, the event is not solely celebrated in China. The occasion is celebrated by as many as 1.4 billion worldwide, according to some estimates, and for those doing so beyond the shores of China, it is know as Lunar New Year, as the event is based on the lunar calendar.

The holiday also heralds one of the largest annual human migrations, as millions of people from across the globe head home to spend time with their family and friends. In respect of China in particular, this involves thousands heading back to the country’s principal cities such as Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Beijing from overseas, and domestically, too, there is a huge movement of individuals from cities to more rural areas.

Although most of this travel is made by road or rail networks, a good deal is made by air, and given the increasing volume of wealth that is China based (a recent report suggests as many as 23% of the worlds billionaires are now Chinese) there does tend to be a spike in enquiries for private jets and air charter.

In a wider sense, we are confident that the private aviation market in China is set to continue to grow over the course of the next year. With a projected annual GDP growth of 7%, improving levels of wealth, a growing fleet of aircraft, and an increasingly transient number of HNWI’s investing in overseas property and business, we feel the demand for private jet and business charter services is only going to become more pronounced.

Please get in touch for pricing and availability on flights to or from China.

Villiers Recommends… Claire’s Safaris

Claire's Safaris biplane in Loisaba

Villiers Recommends… Claire’s Safaris

You may well have read our previous post on why we think a luxury safari is right up there amongst the most indulgent and special holidays you can take (see article here), particularly when one begins by chartering a private jet straight to Nairobi or Arusha!

Between mid October and the end of March is the ideal time to visit countries such as Kenya, Tanzania, and of course South Africa. The weather is at it’s best, and particularly in East Africa one has the chance to witness one of the ten natural wonders of the world – the Great Migration, which takes place largely between January and March. This annual phenomenon is also one of the seven natural wonders of Africa, and is primarily between Tanzania and the Maasai Mara in Kenya.

Being in the business we are in, and being avid fans of aviation in all its forms, this leads us to think that whilst it is one thing to witness this natural spectacular from the ground, it is an entirely different prospect to experience it from the air. Step in, Claire’s Safaris.

This is a wonderful company based in Naivasha, Kenya, which will tailor an air safari to your personal requirements, giving you the ability to experience far more of this beautiful country than would be possible by travelling overground. Claire was born and raised in Kenya and knows the country inside out, from the best spots to visit at any given time of year, where to find the wildlife, the best lodges, and most importantly the people, that create a memorable experience.

Claire has her own Cessna 182, and personally accompanies you on every leg of your trip, giving you the full benefit of her wealth of local knowledge along with wonderful tales of her own personal experiences. We have been lucky enough to travel with Claire in this way and could not stress more emphatically what a wonderful time we had, and thoroughly recommend this company to you.

For private jet charter to Kenya, Tanzania or South Africa, please get in touch with Villiers Jets for a quote.

Changes to UK Stamp Duty Levels

George Osborne

In the UK autumn statement last Wednesday, Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne announced new changes to UK stamp duty levels, and introduced a levy of 12% tax on the value of property over £1,500,000. There has since been plenty of speculation this might impact on the wider appeal of London to wealth creators and business owners.

We’re confident London will never lose its appeal to the wider international business community. From London it’s possible for you to do business with the Far East in the morning, and the US that afternoon. You can jump on a private jet in London and be at a meeting in any one of Europe’s business hubs such as Frankfurt, Paris, Moscow and Zurich in a matter of hours.

The world is so accessible when you fly from London on a private jet – let us help you save time and improve your business efficiency by looking after all of your flight requirements.

Please contact us with your enquiry, and one of our London based charter team will be in touch to discuss how we can help.