DCAF VIP Terminal is elevating Dubai’s Aviation Landscape with Unmatched Luxury and Efficiency. Managing Operations for 11 Aircraft at Al Maktoum International.

Dubai’s aviation scene thrives on innovation and excellence, with DC Aviation Al-Futtaim VIP Terminal (DCAF) emerging as a prominent force in this dynamic industry.

The collaboration between Germany’s DC Aviation GmbH and Dubai’s renowned Al-Futtaim Group has birthed DCAF, a symbol of luxury offering top-tier services in aircraft management, executive charters, maintenance, and advisory solutions.

Situated at Al Maktoum International Airport, DCAF boasts cutting-edge facilities, including two hangars, a vast apron area, and an exclusive VVIP lounge, setting global standards for opulence and operational efficiency.

With a focus on discerning VVIP clientele, DCAF prioritizes comfort, privacy, and convenience, setting new benchmarks in luxury aviation.

DCAF’s service portfolio spans aircraft management, maintenance, FBO services, ground handling, and tailored business jet charters. Supported by the expertise and commitment of the Al-Futtaim Group, DCAF is poised to elevate Dubai’s aviation sector, ensuring unparalleled luxury, safety, and client satisfaction for years to come.

Holger Ostheimer, Managing Director of DC Aviation Al-Futtaim, in conversation with Poonam Chawla, Associate Publisher of Aviation Guide, reflects on over a decade of remarkable growth and innovation in Dubai’s aviation landscape.

It’s a little over a decade since you have been in Dubai, tell us how the growth has been so far- in terms of fleet, manpower, business etc.?

The first company to see the potential of Dubai World Central (DWC) was Germany’s DC Aviation. Based in Stuttgart, DC Aviation was already managing an aircraft in Dubai on behalf of a client based in the UAE, so when the opportunity to move into DWC presented itself, the company began making plans to set up a new facility at the airport.

At the time, everybody thought we were crazy because it’s in the middle of nowhere. But along with our joint venture partner – Dubai-based Al-Futtaim, a privately owned UAE business conglomerate, we set up the first fully integrated VVIP Lounge and hangar facility at Al Maktoum International Airport.

DC Aviation Al-Futtaim VIP Terminal (DCAF) capitalizes on Al-Futtaim’s strong fundamentals and presence in the Middle East and DC Aviation’s global reputation as a premium provider of aircraft management, executive charter operations, business jet maintenance and consultation services.

The facility includes two dedicated hangars measuring 5,700 square meters (sqm) and 7,500 sqm bringing the total land-side plot area to 24,000 sqm and apron area to 13,000 sqm.

Our VVIP customers can also enjoy the 1,300 sqm exclusive VVIP lounge area that offers customers the highest levels of comfort and privacy, shower areas and a conference room.

DCAF’s core areas of business include Aircraft Management, Maintenance, FBO and Ground handling services as well as Business jet charter.

How does DC Aviation Al-Futtaim’s line maintenance capabilities cater to various business jets, and what services do owners and operators receive in terms of spare parts supply, procurement, storage, maintenance, and airworthiness certification?

Through our line maintenance capabilities catering to various business jets, owners and operators receive a diverse range of maintenance services, from spare parts supply, procurement and storage to maintenance and airworthiness certification.

The Aircraft Management division is helping business jet owners to optimize their aircraft assets, by operating aircraft to meet the highest industry standards with regards to flight safety and airworthiness. Clients also benefit from significant cost-savings on insurance, fuel purchasing and other relevant flight support services.

Located in a prime position just off the airport’s runway, the DCAF hangers and 7,700 sqm dedicated ramp parking enable us to support, maintain and operate private and business jets of all sizes. In addition to the VVIP lounge, customers also receive 24-hour on-site security, screening facilities, customs and immigration services, therefore enjoying a speedy and enjoyable travel experience.

Our business jet charter clients will benefit from the operator’s fleet size and variety and a 24/7 operation designed to provide immediate response to requests.

Which segment, among aircraft management, maintenance, FBO services, charters, and consulting, is experiencing the most significant growth for DC Aviation Al Futtaim VIP Terminal?

We have seen steady growth across all our core areas of business.

Last year, our ground handing activities grew in line with our expectations and this upward momentum has continued into the beginning of this year as well. On the aircraft management side, we currently manage and operate 10 aircraft and we continue to engage with asset owners looking to manage their aircraft. We are confident of adding to our managed fleet this year.

A particular focus of our activities is the expansion of our maintenance capabilities. We have invested in both headcount and training, as well as in tools, focusing on both quantitative and qualitative aspects. We believe there is a significant business opportunity, supported by the right people and external stimuli. Clients are increasingly finding us interesting, choosing us as their preferred option for maintenance work and we aim to secure more aircraft maintenance business this year.

What is the current size of your managed fleet, and could you provide details regarding the types of aircraft included? Are these aircraft primarily sourced from the UAE or the wider region, and do you have plans for any fleet expansions soon?

We currently have 10 aircraft as part of our managed fleet. They are a mix of Bombardier, Gulfstream, Dassault Falcon and Pilatus aircraft.

We continue to engage with potential customers and asset owners who believe in our commitment to transparency, quality and delivery of service, as well as our unmatched expertise in aircraft management.

Could you provide insights into the consultancy services offered by DC Aviation Al Futtaim VIP Terminal in aircraft transactions, particularly focusing on larger-scale operations?

We operate with a comprehensive approach to ensure the best outcomes for our clients.

When a client expresses a need for an aircraft, the Director of Sales carefully assesses the client’s specific requirements and preferences. Based on this initial assessment, the Director of Sales presents a selection of aircraft options that align with the client’s needs. These recommendations are tailored to match various criteria such as size, range, features and budget.

The client, with the assistance of our recommendations, creates a shortlist from the provided options. This shortlist reflects their preferences and priorities.

Subsequently, our dedicated DCAF team considers the shortlist and conducts a thorough evaluation of each option. This evaluation considers factors like performance capabilities, maintenance history, regulatory compliance, and cost considerations.

Finally, the DCAF team presents the client with a final recommendation, considering all relevant factors. This recommendation is aimed at guiding the client toward the most suitable aircraft that meets their specific needs and preferences.

Our goal is to leverage our expertise and industry insights to facilitate a streamlined and informed decision-making process for our clients in their pursuit of acquiring the ideal aircraft.

 One of the challenges in the region is access to airports, how does DC Aviation Al Futtaim VIP Terminal address this?

Being based at Al Maktoum International Airport, we have access to unlimited slot availability. Our customers can depart or arrive at their convenience.

We also offer the shortest distance from limousine drop-off to the aircraft steps where our VVIP guests can complete immigration, customs and security checks in the shortest time.

Is manpower an issue in the region, considering that there are so many players, both commercial aviation and business aviation, thus driving up costs?

Yes, manpower is indeed an issue in the Middle East aviation industry. There are a couple of key reasons for this.

High Demand: The region is experiencing a surge in air travel with passenger volume expected to surpass pre-pandemic levels this year. This creates a high demand for qualified personnel across all sectors, from pilots and mechanics to cabin crew and ground staff.

Competition: Multiple airlines, both commercial and business, are vying for a limited pool of talent, driving up salaries and recruitment costs.

So, while a growing aviation market is positive, it also creates a manpower challenge that can impact operational efficiency and potentially raise operational costs.

What are DC Aviation Al-Futtaim’s VIP Terminal plans by 2030?

We anticipate steady growth soon. Dubai seems to outperform other jurisdictions around the world and the city is able to sustain the headwinds a little better than other cities around the world.

By: Poonam Chawla, Associate Publisher

Edited: Ayesha Rashid, Senior Features Reporter