About Us

Who we are

Royal Jet LLC is an Abu Dhabi owned and operated group of companies which leads the global premium private aviation sector and is chaired by His Excellency Mohammed Alardhi.

With its headquarters in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, Royal Jet operates from its Fixed Based Operations (FBO) / VIP Terminal at Zayed International Airport and the company, and its employees hold multiple certifications and licenses issued by the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority, Guernsey Director of Civil Aviation, and Republic of San Marino Civil Aviation Authority.

The company, through its Abu Dhabi and San Marino entities, owns and/or operates ten Boeing Business Jets and five Bombardier Global 5000/6000/7500 aircraft, offering aircraft management, aircraft charter, aircraft leasing, medical evacuation flights, aircraft brokerage, flight support services, FBO services, aircraft maintenance, repair and CAMO services, aircraft acquisition and disposal services and VIP aviation consulting.

Royal Jet LLC is a founding member of the Middle East Business Aviation Association (MEBAA), a member of various other industry associations, and its flight and ground operations are certified by the International Business Aviation Council (IBAC) and under the Wyvern Wingman program. Its FBO is also a member of the industry leading Air Elite Network.

Royal Jet is also a proud multiple winners of the “World’s Leading Private Jet Charter” category at the annual World Travel Awards and its FBO has won multiple awards for its facilities and services.

OUR LEADERSHIP

HIS EXCELLENCY MOHAMMED BIN MAHFOODH ALARDHI

CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Mohammed is a well-respected, accomplished and seasoned business leader. Under his leadership as Executive Chairman of Investcorp, a leading global alternative investment firm. its ‘assets under management’ or AUM grew from US$10 billion to US$60 billion. Mohammed also serves as the Chairman of the Muscat Stock Exchange and of the Board of Trustees of the College of Banking and Financial Studies in Muscat. He was previously the youngest and longest-serving Chief of the Oman Air Force and was awarded the ‘Order of Oman’ by the late Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al-Said in 2000. Mohammed holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Military Science from the Royal Air Force UK Staff College in Bracknell, UK, and a Master’s in Public Administration from the John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University. He is a graduate of the Royal Air Force Military Academy in Cranwell, UK, and the National Defence University in Washington D.C..

Mohammed Husain Ahmed

CHAIRMAN ADVISOR

Mohammed is an accomplished aviation expert and a strong leader. With a 25-year long history of achievements in the aviation industry across both the government and private sectors in the UAE, he also has extensive experience in airport management through overseeing strategic planning, implementation, and evaluation during his tenure as the General Manager of Abu Dhabi Airports. Previously, he served as the Vice President for Commercial and Government Affairs at Global Aerospace Logistics (GAL). A visionary leader, Mohammed is committed to delivering operational excellence and ensuring high standards of performance. Mohammed has an international licence in Air Traffic Control operations from the Airways Corporation of New Zealand and several aviation trainings in external and internal entities, and a certified International Negotiator from Harvard.

PAUL DE SALIS

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Paul is a seasoned aviation leader with 41 years of industry experience in business and scheduled aviation. As CEO, he brings the opportunity to combine the very best of both business models into RoyalJet. With key strengths in developing shareholder value through dynamic and innovative approaches to global markets, creating and delivering business plans, prioritising operational safety and efficiency, and a focus on effective communication combined with strong employee support and development, Paul’s expertise aligns well with RoyalJet’s new vision for the future under its new ownership. As RoyalJet’s CEO, Paul leads the future in advancing the brand’s ambition to become the global leader in the private aviation sector. His focus will be on fostering sustainable growth through multiple business segments and driving innovation to further elevate RoyalJet’s position in the industry.

HUSHAM OSMAN

Vice President Technical Services

Husham is an accomplished engineer and brings decades of experience within the aviation industry to our leadership team, including in commercial and private aviation, both in the Middle East and abroad. Husham joined RoyalJet in 2006 and quickly was promoted into the role of Vice President Technical Services, overseeing all of our company’s technical functions. As a key leader, he ensures we maintain a safe, compliant and efficient technical operation and guides the development of our maintenance, engineering, logistics and other technical support personnel. Husham is a licensed aerospace engineer and also holds both an MBA and a Postgraduate Diploma in Leadership and Strategic Management.

Rakesh Raj

VICE PRESIDENT FINANCE

Rakesh is a finance and audit expert, with an impressive professional background and wealth of expertise in the aviation industry in the UAE and beyond. His extensive aviation background spans various models, including Low-Cost Carriers (LCC) and Legacy airlines. His key areas of expertise include developing business plans, aircraft financing, and driving strategic initiatives. His accomplished professional career is backed by impressive qualifications that include being a Qualified Chartered Accountant (India) and a Certified Internal Auditor (USA), bringing with him a strong foundation in finance and auditing.

ALAIN CHAMPONNOIS

VICE PRESIDENT COMMERCIAL

Alain is a seasoned professional in the aviation industry who has held multiple senior positions in business aviation for over 25 years. Alain has been recognized as an innovative and success-driven professional, as well as an inspirational and dynamic leader. With extensive experience across various regions, including North America, Europe, and the Middle East, Alain has gained a deep understanding of the global aviation landscape. He built his career from Toronto to Dubai, successfully navigating diverse markets and establishing strong industry networks. He brought his wealth of knowledge and expertise to India, the Middle East, and Africa regions. Alain’s previously held positions include as President-CEO of India, Middle East & Africa (IMEA) at Chapman Freeborn, part of Avia Solutions Group, Vice President of Aircraft Sales for Jetex & Honda Aircraft in Dubai, UAE, and Vice President of FBO & MRO at Jet Aviation in Saudi Arabia.