XJet has established a new benchmark for exceptional levels of service to passengers and aircraft owners in the private aviation industry. When the Dubai-based company identified a gap in the fixed-base operations (FBO) market, it set about redefining the customer experience with one goal in mind – to build the world’s finest private aviation company.
While most FBOs concentrate on the pilot experience, XJet has focused on the XJet Club member aircraft owner. The world-class facilities include club space, concierge services, business support suite, conference rooms and, in some locations, restaurants, luxury retail opportunities and car spa services.
The hangars are also of the highest industry standards, with clean and contemporary interiors that complement the aircraft. The luxury service has been welcomed by XJet Club members and acclaimed by lifestyle magazines Robb Report, Aviation International News and ProPilot.
A Global Expansion and Headquarter Relocation
At the MEBAA1 2014 show held at Dubai World Central Airport, XJet outlined ambitious plans for the global expansion of its award-winning business model, which will span London’s Stansted Airport, Dubai World Central in the United Arab Emirates, King Fahd International Airport (KFIA) in Dammam, Saudi Arabia and Le Bourget, Paris. The company’s aim is to achieve consistently high standards at each location, tailored to each country’s airport culture and passenger needs. XJet also announced its headquarters relocation from Denver to Dubai, to better focus on the Middle East private aviation sector.
Dubai World Central (DWC) is building an executive terminal that will cater exclusively to business aviation. The 6,000-square-meter terminal is sited at DWC’s Aviation District and will host XJet and two other key fixed-based operators, complementing the rapid growth of business aviation in the Middle East.
King Fahd International Airport (KFIA) is also establishing a private aviation terminal, where XJet will build its own hangars and club facilities. Private jet owners in the Eastern Province currently house their aircraft outside the Kingdom due to the lack of dedicated aviation infrastructure, so the new facilities will be welcomed.
In Europe, XJet has secured exclusive FBO rights at London Stansted’s Diamond Hangar – one of Europe’s largest private hangars. Phase I interior renovations were completed in July 2015, and Phase II will begin early in 2016. The second XJet European hub will be at a new-build facility at Le Bourget, Paris.
Faithful+Gould and XJet Partner to Create Ultimate ‘XJet Experience’
Faithful+Gould’s Americas private aviation team is leading the overall program strategy for XJet’s projects in Denver, Dubai and Dammam, tailoring the ‘XJet experience’ business model to the culture of each country and identifying the most suitable project execution methodology. The team oversees the design process, cost management and procurement, providing comprehensive program management, project management, cost scheduling, construction management and real estate services. When contractors are mobilized the team will provide on-site project management, eventually commissioning each facility with operational and future maintenance plans in place. Effective project management will be underpinned by Faithful+Gould’s cloud-based Unifier project management software platform, utilized to manage and report on cost, schedule, quality, safety and risk.
Faithful+Gould is a Veteran is Commercial Aviation
XJet chose to partner with Faithful+Gould due to the company’s global presence, in-depth sector knowledge and track record with Tier 1 airport terminals, reinforced by its parent company Atkins’ aviation profile. Faithful+Gould is very strong in commercial aviation, with a sound understanding of how airports and airlines work, and employs this expertise to lead projects in the private aviation market.
Faithful+Gould’s national aviation sector portfolio includes Los Angeles International; JFK International; Newark Liberty International; Chicago O’Hare International; George Bush Intercontinental; Dallas/Fort Worth International; John Wayne, Orange County and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta airports.
The firm’s Europe portfolio includes London Heathrow, London Gatwick, London Stansted, London City, London Luton, Birmingham International and Manchester airports. And its Middle East portfolio includes the expansion of King Abdulaziz International airport in Jeddah; Dubai International; Ras Al Khaimah International; Doha International, and Salalah and Muscat airports in Oman.
About Faithful+Gould Faithful+Gould (www.fgould.com) is a world-leading integrated project and program management consultancy. Operating at the forefront of the industry for more than 65 years, Faithful+Gould has approximately 600 employees delivering project and program management consultancy worldwide. With its headquarters located in New York, New York, Faithful+Gould has 60 offices worldwide. Faithful+Gould is a part of Atkins (www.atkinsglobal.com), one of the world’s leading design, engineering and project management consultancies.
