FALCON Aviation Services (FAS), the UAE’s newest helicopter charter and aviation service provider, was launched in Abu Dhabi recently, with the aim of filling a significant gap in the aviation services market in the UAE and the Gulf.
FAS provides a 24/7 search and rescue (SAR) service to the UAE Armed Forces through its military support operations with a modern fleet of Bell 412EP and Agusta Westland AW139 helicopters.
Based at the Bateen Airport and situated just 10 km from the city centre, it is ideally located for operators and passengers alike.
“We realized that there was a niche market that wasn’t being targeted. We are aiming to grow our modern fleet of helicopters, and other aircraft types to satisfy the ever changing requirements of the region’s growing number of passengers,” says FAS chairman Captain Salem Al Kayoumi.
Presently, the FAS fleet, an investment of over $69 million, consists of eight helicopters with one new Gulfstream 450 corporate jet set for delivery in 2008. The current fleet of helicopters is used for various roles such as corporate shuttles, tourism, SAR and VIP charter.
“With the market evolving the way it is now, fleet expansion and internal growth are already on our agenda, as a direct result of the market demands in terms of capability, capacity and price,” said Al Kayoumi.