California-based Aviaâ, a group purchasing organization that leverages its international business aviation operator membership to achieve economies of scale discounts from suppliers, has expanded its footprint to the Middle East with the signing of a preferred supplier partnership with Jetex. The agreement, which will provide Aviaâ's members with exclusive savings on business aircraft handling at select Jetex FBOs in the Middle East and Europe, was announced at MEBAA this week in Dubai.

“We are delighted to be entering the exciting and prosperous Middle East region, in partnership with such a well respected and large business aviation player,” said Matt Smith, Aviaâ’s business development director.

Jetex president and CEO Adel Mardini noted this is the first time his company has worked with an “innovative distruptor” like Aviaâ. “We have seen the traction it has quickly built up [with] its membership in the U.S. and Europe after just 18 months, and are now pleased to be collaborating with [Aviaâ] as a supplier partner,” he said. “We recognize it as a valuable path to help broaden and widen the Jetex offering among business aviation operators.”