Dubai’s millionaires are fueling a private jet boom

It’s 3am at the VIP airport terminal of Dubai’s Mohammed Bin Rashid Aerospace Hub and an ultra-long range aircraft is readying for take-off. The luxury, 14-seat private jet is headed for Europe, just as soon as its main passenger and his entourage arrive. For this ultra-high net worth individual and others like him, it’s a run of the mill commute. And with money no object, it will be curated to his every wish — from the high thread-count bedding on board to the ready-to-eat Big Mac meal he expects upon fastening his seatbelt. “Everywhere in the world, wherever he flies from … McDonald’s and KFC have to be on board … it has to be both,” said Lilit Avetikyan, CEO and founder of recently launched private jet company Voyex. For the Dubai-based private aviation industry veteran, catering to the unique requests of multi-millionaire clients is just part of the “360-degree” luxury lifestyle service she offers, whether that’s fast-food favourites, tickets to the Oscars, or a customized mystery holiday. It’s an elite club that enjoys private jet travel, which can cost anywhere from $50,000 to $200,000-plus for a single leg. As a broker for premium private charter flights, Voyex boasts access to a network of more than 20,000 aircraft around the world that can be called on and ready for take-off in hours. “There are actually two very exclusive aircraft that we have very special access to, for only ultra-high net worth individuals (like) royal families or governments … those are like small villas in the air,” said Avetikyan.<br/>