Posted on 18 April 2010 in Flight Services & Support - Arabian Aerospace
The Middle East Business Aviation Association (MEBAA) is demanding Iraqi government intervention over a decision to allow a single company to hold a monopoly over access rights to the country.
It is alleged that a company named Palm Jet has been awarded exclusive rights approval for flights to Iraq by the Iraq Civil Aviation Authority (ICAA).
MEBAA members have been advised that permit and clearance for landing cost $6,000 for aircraft with less than 10 seats and $8,000 for aircraft more than 10 seat. This compares to a previous $200.
Ali Al Naqbi, the founding chairman of MEBAA said that members of MEBAA who operate business aviation in the region are suffering from this move
"This act I am sure is very damaging to the Business Aviation community and activities in our region, and indeed all flight to Iraq from all over the world. As soon as we became aware of this issue, we immediately took action and contacted the necessary authority and Government bodies."
Al Naqbi has called on all MEBAA members to send any evidence to support this case to the Association as soon as possible .
"We are very concerned by the development of such action, and MEBAA needs all the supporting evidence to enable us to help you secure your rights in this area and the rights of Business Aviation in our region," Al Naqbi told his members in an email. "We will be aggressively pursuing this matter with all bodies from the ICAO to the Government of Iraq."
The ownership of Palm Jet is not linked in any way to Dubai-based flight planning company Palm Aviation. Although Palm jet has operated in the UAe for eight years it has been primarily involved with Russian aircraft. It currently wons a Citationjet and a Hawker mid size jet for charter.
It is extensively involved in ground handling at Iraqi airports including Baghdad Airport, Basra Airport, Erbil Airport, Sulaimania Airport and Mosul Airport