$2.8m aircraft for NAS
The National Air Service (NAS), of which Saudi Arabian Airlines is a founding partner, will receive a $2.8-million aircraft for use by businessmen.
The Falcon 2000 obtained from Daso Company, will be the first in a package deal of 10 aircraft for NetJets Middle East that operates a fractional ownership programme in the region, the company said in a statement.
The plane, which was purchased through shares bought in advance, would be immediately put into operation after completing procedures of registration and air permits, NAS/NetJets ME president Mohammed Al Zeer said.
NAS collaborated with US-based Executive Jet to introduce the programme in the Middle East. The NetJets fleet of other airplanes include Fokker, Gulfstream and Hawker 800XB, the statement said.
Inchcape severs links
London-based Inchcape has severed its decades-old links with Towell Auto Centre (TAC), the Oman dealer for Japan's Mazda vehicles. The deal, which took place late last month, saw Inchcape selling off its 49 per cent stake to Towell and Company, leaving the latter the sole owner of TAC.
TAC is now all set to introduce new European brands of vehicles. TAC was one of the first auto dealers in Oman and holds the dealership for Suzuki two-wheelers, Bridgestone tyres, Castrol lubricants and Lucas fuel injection equipment.
TAC recently set up a separate a new facility to trade used cars under the name of Bait Al Sayarrat.
Freelander on the road
Land Rover has launched its medium SUV vehicle Freelander here saying its entry into the small/medium sector is set to double the company's market share in the UAE. The range is available at prices starting from Dh77,000 to Dh 97,000 for the top model.
Cargo flights to increase
Malaysian Airlines subsidiary MASKargo, said Sharjah will see 23 flight movements weekly, flying primarily Kuala Lumpur-Sharjah-Hahn. Frequency is likely to be stepped up from April.
The company plans to upgrade its presence in Sharjah to a full-fledged regional headquarters. To be headed by a general manager, it will control the subcontinent, CIS and North Africa markets.
The carrier recently shifted operations to Sharjah from Dubai.
Dr Ghanem Al Hajri, director-general of Sharjah International Airport, noted that the 10 per cent slack left by the reduction of Lufthansa Cargo's operations in Sharjah would more than be taken up by the Malaysian carrier.
