Air Partner is looking for additional partners here in the Middle East to help boost its newly launched JetCard in the region. At October's Business Travel Show in Dubai, the UK-based charter brokering group added the Middle East as a third service area for its JetCard block charter program, which is already established in Europe and the U.S.

Middle Eastern customers can now buy JetCards covering 25 flight hours in aircraft operated by companies approved by Air Partner for travel within the region. Since last year, they have been able to buy cards covering trips within the U.S. and Europe.

The new Middle East JetCard guarantees that aircraft will be available at fixed flight hour rates within 48 hours' notice. The rates are all inclusive, with no surcharges for ferry flights, fuel or airport fees.

For the Middle East region, 25 hours are available in three aircraft cabin (see box). The European JetCard, launched six years ago, offers these aircraft sizes plus very light, light and super midsize jets; similar aircraft are also available in the U.S. market.

JetCard holders can switch between larger and smaller aircraft, deducting flight-hour credits on a pro-rata basis. There are no restrictions for flights on peak days, and round-trip flights qualify for a 15-percent discount.