Zurich-based ExecuJet Aviation is to set up a new charter and aircraft management operation in Qatar in a bid to expand its footprint in the growing Middle Eastern market. Yesterday, the company sealed an agreement with Doha-based Al-Faisal Holdings, which will be its local partner in the new venture.

The business aviation services group has already begun the process to apply for an air operators certificate (AOC) in Qatar. The new ExecuJet Qatar operation should be up and running before the end of the first quarter of next year. The first aircraft in its new charter/management fleet is expected to be a Bombardier Global 5000.

According to Mike Berry, managing director of ExecuJet Middle East, the new operation's next step will be to build an FBO in Qatar. This will be located at the New Doha International Airport, which is due to open in July 2011.

"We have long been keeping an eye on Qatar as one of the next hot spot's for business aviation in this region," Berry told