Author name: admin

Dubai, 22nd May 2026: Empire Aviation Group, a Dubai-based global provider of integrated private aviation services, has appointed Paul van der Blom as Head of Aircraft Management, reinforcing the company’s leadership team as its managed business jet fleet continues to expand. He will oversee a fleet of more than 20 business jets under management, supporting aircraft owners with operational oversight, asset optimisation and charter revenue opportunities. Aircraft management remains a core pillar of Empire Aviation’s offering, with many managed aircraft also placed on charter to help offset ownership costs. Paul van der Blom brings more than 30 years of aviation industry experience across Europe and the Middle East, with senior leadership roles spanning aircraft sales, aircraft management, leasing, commercial strategy and client relations. His previous roles include positions with Airbus, DC Aviation, ExecuJet, Hawker Pacific, Luxaviation Group and TAG Aviation. He joined Empire Aviation from a Dubai-based operator, where he served in the Fleet Strategy division. In addition to his substantial professional experience, Paul holds a Master of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering from Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands and attended various management programs at IMD Switzerland. Commenting on the appointment, Paras P. Dhamecha, Founder and Managing Director of Empire Aviation Group, said: “Paul van der Blom’s extensive international experience and deep understanding of aircraft ownership, operations and client requirements make him a valuable addition to our leadership team at a time of sustained growth and with a strong pipeline of new aircraft. It’s all about building trust with owners who want the reassurance of entrusting their multimillion-dollar assets to experienced managers.”

Kuala Lumpur, 22 May 2026: The world’s first ATR 72-600 featuring the ATR HighLine “All-Business Class” configuration touched down in Kuala Lumpur, marking a major milestone for regional aviation. ATR’s new cabin concept received certification from both EASA and the Malaysian authorities earlier this month, confirming its readiness for commercial operations worldwide. The delivery represents a dual first for Berjaya Air; the airline’s inaugural ATR 72-600 and the launch platform for ATR’s new premium cabin collection. It also heralds a new era in regional travel, combining semi-private flying comfort with the proven efficiency of turboprop operations. The aircraft features a fully bespoke, all–business class cabin, accommodating 26 seats in a spacious and unique 1-by-1 layout, ensuring every guest benefits from direct aisle access and direct view to multiple windows. The handcrafted ETEREA seats by Geven – the widest ever installed on the ATR platform – offer generous living space and a refined personal side console with integrated stowage. One of the cabin’s most distinctive elements is the executive style ceiling, where overhead bins have been replaced by sleek valence panels. This design opens up the cabin, floods the interior with natural light, and creates a volume comparable to that of the world’s largest private aircraft – all on board the most fuel-efficient regional aircraft. Berjaya Air will begin operating the aircraft in the coming days, launching its first flight on a new route between Subang and Koh Samui. It will then roll out its “affordable luxury” experience on its newly expanded regional network, with direct connections throughout Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia, and a focus on serving Berjaya Group’s portfolio of hotels and resorts. Travellers will benefit from a seamless experience that offer a high touch of hospitality to island destinations such as Redang and Langkawi. The new aircraft in ATR HighLine All-Business Class configuration will also be available for charter operations across the Asia-Pacific region. Syed Ali Shahul Hameed, Group CEO of Berjaya Property Berhald, said: “Taking delivery of the world’s first ATR 72-600 in ATR HighLine configuration marks an important step in Berjaya Air’s transformation journey. This new cabin experience enables us to offer guests a seamless and refined journey to some of the region’s most sought-after destinations, while maintaining our strong commitment to operational efficiency and service excellence. Whether serving resort destinations or charter operations across the region, the ATR HighLine cabin allows us to deliver an end-to-end premium travel experience that reflects Berjaya’s hospitality heritage and long-term vision.” ATR CEO Nathalie Tarnaud Laude added: “This milestone demonstrates how the ATR family continues to evolve to meet new market expectations. The ATR HighLine cabin collection opens new possibilities for operators seeking exceptional onboard comfort while leveraging all the efficiency and operational benefits of the aircraft. Together with Berjaya Air, we are demonstrating the inherent versatility of the ATR platform, capable of adapting to a wide range of operator needs without compromising its core strengths.” Berjaya Air will take delivery of a second factory-new ATR 72-600 in the same “All-Business Class” configuration in the third quarter of this year.

Wichita, 18th May 2026: The Cessna SkyCourier has reached a new milestone with the recent delivery of the first aircraft into the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI). The 19‑passenger variant delivered to AIR Marshall Islands Inc. (AMI) is equipped with the optional passenger‑to‑freighter conversion kit, enabling the aircraft to transition between full passenger and full cargo configurations. The delivery marks a significant milestone in strengthening essential air service across the country. With communities comprised of widely dispersed islands, regional air service plays an important role in supporting commerce, travel and vital freight transport in the region. The SkyCourier’s flexible cabin configurations and strong runway performance will help AMI streamline inter-island services. “Built with customer needs and operational efficiency at the forefront, the Cessna SkyCourier provides a dependable platform to support consistent, day‑to‑day operations,” said Juan Escalante, vice president, SkyCourier sales. “The aircraft was designed for operators like AIR Marshall Islands who require adaptability and unparalleled performance across a wide variety of missions.” Based in the capital, Majuro, AIR Marshall Islands is a commercially operated airline owned by the Government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands. With an additional SkyCourier expected to deliver this year, AMI selected the aircraft to enhance connectivity and expand services throughout the nation’s atolls and outer islands. “The SkyCourier’s high payload capability and versatile design will allow AMI to transport both passengers and cargo more efficiently, including essential goods such as food, medical supplies, mail and other critical freight.” -Captain Albon Jelke, general manager & CEO of AIR Marshall Islands, Inc. “The delivery of our Cessna SkyCourier represents a significant milestone for AIR Marshall Islands (AMI) and its mission to provide dependable air transportation across the Republic of the Marshall Islands,” said Captain Albon Jelke, general manager & CEO of AIR Marshall Islands, Inc. “The SkyCourier’s high payload capability and versatile design will allow AMI to transport both passengers and cargo more efficiently, including essential goods such as food, medical supplies, mail and other critical freight.” About the Cessna SkyCourier • The twin-engine, high-wing Cessna SkyCourier turboprop offers a combination of performance and lower operating costs for air freight, commuter and special mission operators • Available in freighter or 19-passenger variant • Optional passenger to freighter conversion capability • Optional Combi configuration, accommodating up to nine passengers while carrying freight • 19-passenger variant features large cabin windows for natural light and views • Both versions offer single-point pressure refueling to enable faster turnarounds • Powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-65SC turboprop engines • Equipped with Garmin G1000 NXi avionics